Yellow Slippers

Great photo. The herons and egrets are my favorite birds, perhaps because the produce the greatest challenge for me (pelicans are so much kinder to the the photographer).

Anyte,

Thanks very much for the very kind words. Having long lenses for photographing birds is always a great aid. As I recall this image was taken early morning as can be seen in the color lighting of the image. Great care had to made to expose the white Snowy Egret feathers and still hold detail in much of the bird. The image was taken at the decisive moment as one of the yellow feet was taking a step. The title Yellow Slippers comes from the name often given these birds due to their yellow feet. The film used was Fuji Astia 100 at Fuji's recommendation for instances that may be a bit contrasty and color could start to block up. The film works very well here and is not as bold in color or contrast as Fujichrome Velvia 50 or Provia 100. Fuji was to have used this image because it showed the neutraly of the Film which was still able to hold detail in the whites and the bright yellows of the Egret. Unfortuantely, its usage was cancelled at the last minute. Again special thanks to Leica Camera USA for the loan of the Leica f5.6 800mm Modular Apo Telyt lens for a month time period in February 1998 that was used for this and many other images. Rich