Great Blue Heron in Fall Foliage
A Great Blue Heron on a Cypress Log with Orange Cypress Foliage taken at Lake Martin on a November, 2023 photo tour
Taken on one of last fall's photo tours, this stunning photograph captures a Great Blue Heron framed against the vibrant fall foliage of a Cypress Tree at Lake Martin. Our fall photo tours are primarily focused on photographing the beautiful trees in the best light, but we also seize every opportunity to capture birds and other wildlife amidst the fall colors.
The Screech Owl Yawning: Capturing a Perfect Moment
Discover the captivating story behind the iconic "Screech Owl Yawning" photograph, taken in 2001 at My Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Learn about the equipment used, including the Nikon D1 camera and a 600mm lens with a 2X teleconverter, and how modern technology like Gigapixel AI enhances this timeless image.
In 2001, while visiting My Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I experienced one of those rare, serendipitous moments that every wildlife photographer dreams of. Armed with my Nikon D1 camera, I hoped to capture the elusive screech owl in its natural habitat. I ended up with a photograph that remains one of my favorites to this day: the screech owl mid-yawn.
The Moment of Luck
With my camera locked down and aimed at the owl, I felt confident I had secured the shot. But as I looked up, the owl did something unexpected – it yawned. I quickly fired the camera, capturing a moment of sheer spontaneity and natural beauty. It was a very lucky shot, one that perfectly encapsulated the owl’s character and the tranquility of the cemetery.
The Gear Behind the Shot
This memorable photograph was taken with the Nikon D1, a digital camera that boasted a 2.7-megapixel sensor. By today’s standards, that resolution seems almost quaint, but at the time, it was revolutionary. Despite the relatively low megapixel count, the image holds up remarkably well, thanks in part to the monochrome nature of the shot and the perfect exposure.
Enhancing the Image
The photo was captured using a 600mm lens combined with a 2X teleconverter, providing an effective focal length of 1200mm. This setup allowed me to get up close and personal with the owl without disturbing its natural behavior. Even more impressive is how well the image scales. Using Gigapixel AI, a cutting-edge image enhancement tool, the photograph can be enlarged to at least 11 x 14 inches without losing its clarity or impact. In addition, I used a Nikon Flash and Better Beamer to light in the hole where the Screech was nesting.
A Timeless Photograph
What makes the screech owl yawning image so special is not just the subject or the circumstances under which it was taken, but how well it has stood the test of time. The combination of equipment, luck, and the advent of modern technology has ensured that this photograph remains as captivating today as it was when it was first captured over two decades ago.
In the ever-evolving world of photography, where megapixels and advanced features dominate the conversation, it's a reminder that sometimes, all you need is the right moment and a bit of luck to create something truly timeless.
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Lake Martin Panorama–Photograph & Post Processing Techniques
Late Evening at Lake Martin
About the Lake Martin Panorama
In the Lake Martin Panorama, I’ve captured the essence one of Louisiana’s most picturesque swamps, a scene of pure magic as evening sets in. The warm hues of the setting sun bathe the cypress trees in golden light, reflecting off the still waters and creating a breathtaking view. It was in this tranquil moment, in May of 2016, that I captured a panoramic photograph—one that embodies the serenity and beauty of this iconic landscape. The boat with the fisherman is an important element at this wonderful place.
Technical Details
Using a Nikon D810 mounted on a tripod with a panoramic head, I carefully framed the scene with a Zeiss 50mm lens set at f/8, 1/60s, and ISO 64. This setup ensured maximum sharpness and dynamic range to capture the intricate details of the lake and sky. I took three separate images, each overlapping slightly to allow for a seamless stitch in post-processing. The lack of Spanish moss in the scene placed greater emphasis on the cypress trees' bold forms and their reflections in the water. Above, the sky was adorned with beautifully textured clouds, which added depth and drama to the composition.
Post Processing
Once back at my workstation, I used Lightroom Classic to stitch the images together. The software handled the alignment and blending flawlessly, preserving the natural transition of tones and maintaining the depth of the original scene. The result was a high-resolution panorama that captured the full breadth of Lake Martin’s evening splendor—rich colors, soft light, and a near-perfect reflection on the water’s surface.
Capturing a panorama in low light presents challenges, but the effort was worth it. This photograph is more than an image—it’s a glimpse into the quiet majesty of Lake Martin as the day fades into night. It remains one of my favorite images from that year, a testament to the timeless beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands.