This morning, I wanted to share more of my Greater White-fronted Goose images I took six days ago. I haven’t gone through all of my photos of this goose yet.
Migrating Greater White-fronted Goose – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/400, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I did take a lot of photos of this migrating Specklebelly goose – over 1700 of them, in fact.
When I have a rare, uncommon, or unusual bird in my viewfinder, I will take as many photos as I can.
Why?
Greater White-fronted Goose aka Specklebelly – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f13, 1/200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because I know I might not ever have the opportunity with that subject again. I’d rather cull 1700 images of this goose than risk not taking enough to share later.
I grew up an Army Brat; I traveled the world, never certain when a permanent change of orders might arrive, causing me and my family to relocate anywhere in the world, sometimes, in less than a month.
That uncertainty taught me to savor each moment, as I realized I might not have the chance to experience it again.
Greater White-fronted goose floating by – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/400, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
For me, the same holds true when it comes to my photographic journeys and subjects: I take photos as if I might never have my subject in my viewfinder again. That applies to rare, uncommon, unusual, or even far more abundant subjects.
Thus far, that strategy has worked wonderfully for me, time and time again.
Greater White-fronted Goose with an eye on me – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/320, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had great, unobstructed views of this Greater White-fronted Goose, so I took photos of it until it disappeared from my sight. I did the best I could with the light I had and enjoyed every moment with my subject.
Yeah, life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Greater White-fronted Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a totally inspirational series! The subtle coloring, the detail, the shimmering reflection in each pic and – of course – the excellent eye contact. It seems to me these shots would be perfect models for a duck decoy artist [carver?]. I must admit that until your previous post I didn’t know about the Greater White-fronted Goose but was immediately captivated by the species…and today’s post set the hook. What a beautiful bird! Thanks Mia.
Lovely photos Mia, enjoy the weekend.
Love the photos and geese! Was wondering if you took any group pictures? 1700 is hard to imagine! Thanks!
Beth, there was only one Greater White-fronted Goose, I did get photo of it with some ducks I plan to share later though!
I enjoy seeing more! It reminds me of coffee with cream.
Thank you for introducing me to this lovely goose.-Jeri S.
A great explanation of your settings and even a greater explantion of your thoughts. I have a habit of taking pictures before I am sure of my settings because I am afraid I wont get another chance. Then I go back and try difffernet settings to see how it turns out. I would be interested to know also what light setting on your camera spot,etc…
Hard to get thiose browns not to blend.
Linda, I was using pattern for my metering mode and auto white balancing. Hope that helps!