Head Shots... Birds, an alligator and a dragonfly

[jprzybyla]

I viewed Dan's head shots, they reinforced how much I like the close personal nature of head shots/portraits of nature's creatures. These are a few I have taken over the last several months that I really like. To get a good head shot you have to be close or have a lens that will bring the subject to you and fill the frame. I hope you enjoy these images. C&C welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Great Egret... this image was captured at the rookery in the alligator breeding pond at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. This location provides the opportunity to get close to breeding and nesting birds.



A tighter crop



Tri-colored Heron... also photographed at the rookery in Gatorland in Orlando, Florida.



Limpkin... this image was captured at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. The bird was perched on a large sign (not natural or appealing). I was able to approach to about 8 to 10 feet from the bird so I chose a head shot/portrait rather than show the whole bird and sign.



American Alligator... also shot at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. During breeding season the large male alligators raise their heads out of the water making a loud rumbling noise. When the right frequency is reached the water ripples and boils from the sound. The water under the chin is rippling from the sound produced by the alligator.



Blue Dasher Dragonfly... I captured this image at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. The dragonfly was perched warming itself in the early morning sun.

[csa mt]

Fantastic shots! I must agree head shots explore a different technique in photography, and I love it! I was not fond of the tighter crop of the first image, as it cut off part of the beak; the first one was exceptional!

[Werner]

Nice shots. No.3 is my favorite.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Nicks Pics]

All of them are very nice quality. I like how so much of each animal is in focus. The alligator is something we don't seee here very often.

[Wavelength]

Outstanding, as ever before

[NorthernFocus]

Stunning imagery, Joe. The feather detail on the birds is outstanding. Nice job with the limpkin of making the best of the situation and coming away with an excellent shot. There's no substitute for maximizing the number of pixels on target and making a properly focused capture. WB, colors, etc, can be manipulated in PP. But there is no substitute for good detail like this. Well done.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice shots

[Otavio]

All great, Joe, as usual. Very nice headshots set, indeed. Regards,

[IzzieK]

The alligator looks interesting and the notations for my (our) information...Being an Aussie, I am more use to seeing crocs...scared myself with them, yet wary. 'Will be heading for Florida around September 26 weekend so I might consider shooting a few wildlife over there. Dan's inspiring head shots made me researched my destination. There is one guy here who I am missing -- he is good with wildlife too -- Saorsa (Brian), wonder what he is up to???

Anyway, wondering aside...I like your dragonfly shoot too. The face resembles David's (deetheturk) but this one has an extra touch -- a toothpick at the side of its mouth!

[deetheturk]

Wonderful series Joe!

[jprzybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing and commenting, your time and effort is truly appreciated and valued.