Featured Photographer – Lens Lugger Michael Ritter

“I took this image on January 14, 2016 using my Nikon Df (I tend to use my Df more in harsh light due to its great dynamic range). I used a Nikon 200-500 VR lens at 410 mm, 1/2000 sec shutter speed at f/5.6, ISO 800. I also had the exposure compensation set for -1/3 EV to help (again) with the harsh light. This was taken hand held. Some light editing was done in Lightroom.

“The black background is actually a shaded creek. The egret was standing in the sun (light coming from the left) on a small concrete dam. The location is Egan’s Creek Greenway on Amelia Island, FL. The “Greenway” is a protected area of over 300 acres that runs north to south along Egan’s Creek. Its grass-covered roads serve as a network of trails that are suitable for walking and bicycling, and its environment exhibits a variety of natural wildlife and vegetation.  Local wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, bobcats, and many birds.”

**Ed notes A few thing set this image apart from the crowd.

• First, the background is nondistracting and really helps the image POP
• Next, the Egret is moving to the right — we read (Americans) from left to right. For some reason, images the direct our eye left to right seem to resonate more.
• The leg is raised up –that shows action.
• The white bird isn’t washed out — good use of texture.

“Congratulation, Michael!”