Was taking a walk near Kits beach with my K10D and Sigma 70-200/2.8 DG when a lady walking in the opposite direction told me that there was a Blue Heron nearby and that I should take pictures of it. Good coincidence that I had the Sigma on, another good thing I had with me was the 540FGZ.

All images shot at ISO 100, F4, 200mm, DNG; only ONE with flash, the other two without. Post processing in Bibble Pro and LightZone on Linux.



Note that there was some time difference between these shots, the sun was dipping rather quickly so the "tint" is slightly different.

This one is flashed with the 540FGZ -1.5 flash EV;



I like the shadow in this one:



C&C always welcome.

Cheers,
-Asad

[scott-devon]

Beautiful shots Asad, I love the light in these.

[photo_mom]

Hi Asad!

They're all fantastic, but #1 is just light magic! You did an excellent job both capturing and processing that one.

[Jack Simpson]

Hi Asad,

Great heron shots and the fill-flash really does make a difference, IMVHO

Cheers,

Jack

[carpents]

Hi Asad,

Great heron shots and the fill-flash really does make a difference, IMVHO

Cheers,

Jack

I have to agree - the flash fills in the details nicely, although I'm sure it makes more of a difference at a bigger size. I do like the shadows, too.

[Asad_Masede]

Beautiful shots Asad, I love the light in these.

Scott, thanks!

Cheers,
-Asad

[Asad_Masede]

Hi Asad!

They're all fantastic, but #1 is just light magic! You did an excellent job both capturing and processing that one.

Thanks for the nice compliment, Tracy.

Glad you liked these, I almost never posted them.

Cheers,
-Asad

[Asad_Masede]

Hi Asad,

Great heron shots and the fill-flash really does make a difference, IMVHO

Cheers,

Jack

Mr. Simpson,

Thanks, Yeah, the fill just adds the slight bit of detail that gives the image more quality and depth... steadily learning why you always carry your flash around.

Cheers,
-Asad

[Asad_Masede]

I have to agree - the flash fills in the details nicely, although I'm sure it makes more of a difference at a bigger size. I do like the shadows, too.

Thanks for the comment, Sean. Used to be that I almost completely ignored shadows...

I'm wondering how it would look printed, those little fill-flash details.

Cheers,
-Asad

[Scott Rylance]

All are excellent shots Asad......my favorite is the last.

[Asad_Masede]

All are excellent shots Asad......my favorite is the last.

Thanks, Scott. I call the last one "rusty" for the colour the light gives it.

Cheers,
-Asad

[Jack Simpson]

Mr. Simpson,

Thanks, Yeah, the fill just adds the slight bit of detail that gives the image more quality and depth... steadily learning why you always carry your flash around.

Cheers,
-Asad

Hi ya Asad,

Yep, you never know when you flash will coming handy and just remember to carry a spare set of AA alkalines for your flash ....just in case you forget to turn in off

Cheers,

Jack

[little laker]

Asad,
I've never seen such vivid colour in a heron.

I'm very impressed, and almost envious of your pictures

[Marc Langille]

I keep thinking about photographing these birds, but only some are OK with human presence...

Beautiful lighting opportunity for a wonderful subject - well captured!

Cheers,
Marc