This image is another example of the innovative and creative uses of a camera. It manages to give a positive result even though it consists largely of overblown highlights and blocked shadows, either of which can be fatal in many scenes. For both to occur simultaneously and yet produce a lovely image is rare indeed. Only the center “creek” area might be said to be “properly” exposed. The stark contrast between the bright snow in the foreground and the sky in the background with the black dead weeds make it comparable to a woodcut. The silhouetted crane is undoubtedly the focal point.

Whether the image succeeds or not is for each individual to decide for himself.

Heron on Grassy Creek - Anita Hale

Recent member Anita Hale gets credit for this photograph. She is a native of Grassy Creek (where this shot was taken on Christmas day of 2009) but spends her winters in Miami. She has no recollection of herons being seen in the area when she was growing up. As with other members who fly south for the winter, we look forward to meeting her this summer at the Arts Council.

Nikon D5000
Shutter Speed: 1/125
F-Stop: f/5.6
ISO: 900
Focal Length: 300.0mm
Flash: Did Not Fire