American Oystercatcher with wave in the background – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
These two photos are of the same adult American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) in sequential order taken at Fort De Soto County Park in Florida. I was laying in the sand while I created the images to get a low angle and the bird was on a ridge elevated slightly higher than my location. I had beautiful light and did not need to use any exposure compensation to have nice details in the darks and the whites.
When photographing with waves in the background a split second can matter because of the fluid movements of the incoming waves. In this frame the closest wave is just about to crest thus it created the darker horizontal band of sea green just below the body of the Oystercatcher.
American Oystercatcher on a ridge of sand – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
In this next frame the wave had crested and rushed towards the shoreline creating a smoother blue background without the sea green horizontal band.
Is one background better than the other? Personally I don’t think so, I find them both visually appealing. It is just a matter of personal taste.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Oystercatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
I agree with Laurence, I prefer the first one. I like the stripe the sand, cresting wave and sea make.
Sheila, thanks so much for commenting. I like that cresting wave too.
Very cool. Both images are lovely. I guess I prefer the first because the darker water accentuates the pale legs. Thanks for giving me a choice : )
Thank you Laurence, I’m stuck I like them both! I do like how the dark water accentuates the pale legs of the Oystercatcher too.
Both images are wonderful! Shooting this beautiful American Oystercatcher at such a low angle really enhances the shot. Fantastic work!
Thanks for your wonderful comment Julie, sand crawling for images like these is a joy.
Mia he is beautiful really. And you are peaking my interest in someday traveling to Fort De Soto. Carol
Carol, if you ever do travel to Fort De Soto be forewarned, you will want to go back over & over again! It is a fantastic place.