Adult Canada Goose in a snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Lately I’ve been seeing and hearing more and more Canada Geese close to home and that has made me start thinking about winter, snowstorms, whiteouts and high key images of birds.
I’m lucky that I live close to two ponds and the Jordan River Trail where Canada Geese, various duck species, coots, gulls and other birds congregate during the coldest parts of the year and that I can be at any of those locations within minutes.
During winter snowstorms I love to head down to the ponds to see what birds I can photograph in whiteout or snowy conditions to create high key photos. High key photos aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Me? I find them visually appealing along with being challenging to take and create.
I adore Canada Geese. They are loud, big, and they make excellent subjects for beginning photographers because they can be found in so many locations across the country. When talking to new bird photographers I often recommend that they find common birds like geese, ducks and gulls to photograph because they can practice, practice, practice on them in flight, on the water and the ground.
I’ve taken thousands of images of Canada Geese over the years and I’ve never once grown tired of seeing, hearing or photographing them. Taking high key photos of them takes skill and the right weather conditions.
When the sky turns cloudy, when the snow starts to fly, and whiteout conditions set in I’ll be looking for opportunities to take high key photos of the birds I see close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
I adore their big soft brown eyes. As much as I love winter and snow I have been enjoying the milder weather for hiking and biking this year. The physical activity helps with the restlessness this year had given me.
Spectacular. And a sight I will not see. Thank you.
Fabulous shot! I especially like the snowflakes on the goose. For some reason, I’m getting vibes from the movie Fargo.
Canada Geese have set up year-round residence all around me. They seem much nicer than some of the other goose species (read, they don’t try to attack me) at our local park. My house seems to be between two favorite haunts, so I often see — and hear — several Canada Geese flying overhead.