High key male Belted Kingfisher perched in a tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 1000, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I sure seem to be taking quite a few high key images lately and I am actually fine with that, I like them but recognize that high key photos are not pleasing to everyone’s tastes.
Yesterday there was a bit of light in the morning so I went to see if there were any birds that could be photographed at my local ponds and I was delighted when I heard the rattling call of a Belted Kingfisher. The kingfisher wasn’t as close as I would have liked it to have been but I photographed him anyway. It has been a while since I have been able to photograph this species close to home.
The lighting wasn’t the best because there were clouds overhead so I cranked up my ISO and set my exposure to where the male Belted Kingfisher and the branch he was perched on were well exposed and where nice details could be seen in his plumage, the branches, and leaf buds and fired away. This high key Belted Kingfisher photo does look like it was taken on a dreary winter day and that is because it was.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Belted Kingfisher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very elegant shot. High key was the word today!
Quite the handsome fella! I really like this shot. 🙂
I love this image. It is very artsy and moody. I heard, but did not see a Belted Kingfisher down at the Damariscotta Town Landing in Maine today.
I think it is a great composition with good detail. Nice find!
A charmer. In any key.
Not being a photographer, I do not know what a high key photo is. Please explain.
High Key is a term to describe images that are bright and contain little to no shadow. It is also sometimes used to describe photos and the photographic style that is simply bright, often with an overexposed background.
Thank you for the explanation. I find the photo very appealing.
I agree with Marie. I like the high key look. I got a female Belted Kingfisher in almost the same pose yesterday but nowhere close to the detail of your photo.
Love the kingfisher.
Nice. I like that high key look.