Copyright Scott Bourne 2009 - All Rights Reserved
Let me set the scene. The morning was perfect for photography. It was almost 60 degrees at dawn, and a light, high marine layer of diffuse clouds blocked the sun. The birds were plentiful and tame. I smelled the tang of seaweed mingled with salt in the crisp air. The humidity left my shirt damp. At that time of day, all we could hear were the waves lapping against the beach, and the call of a gull.
I was co-leading a workshop with my pal Artie Morris in Southwest Florida. We had gathered at a well-known birding hotspot called the Estero Lagoon on Fort Myers Beach, Fla.. Our mission was to photograph birds in flight and bird portraits. We were setting up when we suddenly realized we had a Reddish Egret (white phase morph) in our midst. There are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of Reddish Egrets in the United States and most of these are in Texas. So it was rare for me to see one, let alone have a chance to photograph it.
Once the thrill of seeing the Reddish Egret subsided, I noticed something. Three other species and four other birds had joined the Reddish Egret — a Snowy Egret, two Great Egrets and a White Ibis. They stood in the shallow, calm water of the lagoon, their reflection reasonably smooth and visually soothing. I was struck by the serenity of the scene.
For a few minutes, I stopped thinking like a photographer. I don’t know why it moved me so much, but the notion that four different species could commune so well together in harmony became the thing I was thinking about. Our planet thrums with strife and war, often over issues of mere perceived differences. But here, there were four different species, represented by five different birds, all standing together. All were calm. They weren’t fighting or squabbling as birds often do. They were milling around, but for some reason, staying close to each other. They were peaceful. This was the story I wanted to tell.
I decided to do a group shot. I started thinking like a photographer again for a minute and I realized that capturing this quiet moment in a compelling way would be challenging. When you photograph groups of birds, you generally get a more pleasing composition by capturing separation – distance between each bird. These birds were so chummy that they often walked so close to each other I couldn’t get separation.
I had my Nikon D3 mounted to the Sig-monster on the tripod. I realized my tripod was too high. When you shoot down on birds, you alter the perspective. I lowered my tripod all the way as far as it would go. I thought about lying down in the water, but was afraid I’d spook the birds. I also decided the 300-800mm was too much lens and went with my backup D90 which I always wear around my neck. I handheld it to get just a bit lower. I was using the D90 with a Sigma 100-300 F/4 lens set to f/8, ISO 200 at 1/500th of a second. I had to pull back all the way to 100mm to get the birds in the frame. I thought about adding more depth-of-field and shooting at f/11, but decided this was going to be a more artistic than technical shot, and front-to-back sharpness wasn’t as important as the overall impact of the photo. In ancient Persian art and culture, if a rug is coming out too perfect, the maker will usually introduce a slight imperfection. If I had shot this at f/11, the image may have been too technically perfect and the ethereal quality of the image reduced.
It seemed like it took a lifetime (it was only five minutes) but the birds finally separated. I made a test exposure right before they split up to make sure I held the highlights. I looked at my histogram and realized I was right on for exposure. I held my breath, fired off three shots in burst mode (I usually do this expecting the second shot to be the best), and then I relaxed. The birds hung out for a few more moments but after my shot, they split up. Two of the birds flew away and the others turned away. I know it’s crazy, but it seems like they waited for me to get the shot before they left.
I was pretty sure I had a good image before looking at the LCD. But I didn’t see the full impact until I returned to the hotel room and uploaded to my MacBook Pro.
I was tempted to dissect the imperfections of the image. But its peacefulness and beauty overtook my usual notion that all my photos had to look a certain technical way.
I think the image was primarily possible because I was NOT thinking like a photographer, but more like a philosopher and artist. Besides being impressed that four species and five birds could get along, I was moved by the feeling of the image. It brought to mind a quote from an art book I studied years ago by Marie-Luise Gothein, who advocated creating gardens as art.
“Rhythm, symmetry, and a happy combination of elegance and utility – a blend often desired in later days of hope and struggle – these have been fully attained, and with them a delight in quiet communion with Nature, expressing as she does the sense of beauty in orderliness,” Gothein said.
I think that as photographers, we create art and can learn how to better do this by studying other forms of art. Gothein’s book helped me see this shot. By studying art that is not our own we shape our subconscious and build the instinct to notice when opportunities arise.
Consider thinking about outside forces in your life that can positively influence your photography. Go to museums, read, watch plays, listen to music, and study the masters. All these things can work to help you see photographic opportunities, without first worrying about f/stops and shutter speeds.
I’m now offering limited edition canvas gallery prints of “Four Species – Five Birds,” see the order page for more information.
That is an amazing photo. I could not believe it at first, but those are four different bird species and they are lined up perfectly. Even the spacing in the middle in perfect. Congratulations on such a well composed photo.
A fantastic shot! Your story of how you got it makes it even more special.
This is our favorite of the picture we’ve seen from this set. Thanks for sharing.
Very beautiful image you’ve made Scott. It is unbelievably peaceful. I’d love to buy a print, but I’m sure you know how difficult it can be to afford to support other photographers!
Super awesome image.
The reflection is great.
I know what you mean about stop thinking like a photographer.
I find that some of my best shots are when I stop trying to make them perfect and just relax and enjoy nature.
Take care!
No worries Mike. I only make them available because people ask.
Fantastic image Scott. I really enjoyed reading about the thought process behind the image. It’s a nice break from the technical stuff I usually hear and read about. I think the gallery wrap treatment of this image really adds to the depth, and separation of the birds. Great work.
Beautiful photo and story. Wow.
This is my favorite photo of yours, Scott. It’s just so peaceful … and the story is really moving. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
Great Photo and story. Certainly wish this scene would be applicable to our species.
All I can say is thank you Scott. I just sent my Google Checkout Payment in for what I hope will be the first copy of this incredible picture. When I see your work I am motivated to try to do better with my own. I can’t believe how much time and effort you put into this site and I really hope you sell lots of these. I want you to know I support your efforts. I am particularly glad to see the reference here to studying other art to improve your own. I just heard that in another art class I am taking and your comment confirms for me that I need to give it priority.
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful story behind this shot. I was impressed with it when you loaded it onto flickr, but the story adds so much depth and meaning to the shot.
again, thanks for sharing all of this with us, absolutely free of charge. Time is money, but this story is inspiring, and I’m so thankful that you shared it with us.
Stephen
You’ve done some great work in your career, but this Florida trip must have generated some of your best. From what I’ve seen so far, this shot is at the top of an already incredible body of work. The narrative made it even better. We’ve all felt the energy/excitement you felt, and you brought the feeling back by sharing this great story. Thank you!
Wow! Just wow! It is when I,m seeing those kind of pics that I know that I,m lame at taking pictures!
Scott,
I have to tell you that your pieces have inspired me to actually use my camera more. It’s been mostly sitting in it’s beautiful Kata bag since I got it a year and a half ago, with about 5000 actuations on it.
Although bird photography isn’t my thing, I really enjoy architectural and landscape photographs.
I thank you so much for your work and your willing to share it for free with the TWiP Community. Although we all may disagree on film vs. digital, Nikon vs. Canon, Branded vs. Third-Party lenses, etc etc, what really matters in photography is the result. Whatever technique is used to produce the image is irrelevant, whether it be an old Kodak Brownie, Polaroid Land Camera, or a brand new 5D MkII.
Thank you so much for your inspiration. I can truly tell you have a passion for photography. That is the most important thing in the world I think, to find your passion and excel at it.
Excellent photogragh, per usual, but I really appreciate the “behind the scenes” story. You have a rare gift of translating your insights to the written word, and it makes me appreciate what you do all the more. Thank you for sharing!
Scott, bird photographs do not usually capture my attention but hitting twipphoto today that print grabbed my eye and I was compelled to read your story. Both were amazing. Thank you for sharing them with us. What a great scene. *And* you used your D90 and not D3. I guess Shakespeare had to use his lesser quill and yet it produced the same stunning results. :)
Thanks Ken – yeah it’s funny. On this trip I had two D3s and a D90. Usually I would have had three D3s but needed to do some testing on the D90 for an article I was writing. I ended up taking three or four of my best shots on the trip with the D90 and a Sigma 100-300 lens! Guess it’s not the camera after all :)
Whoah, that is one of the most impressive photos I have seen for a while.
Love the photo, Scott. You are a great inspiration. The story behind the image is very illuminating.
Scott,
As always a stunning image. Definitely envisioned and created with a quality beyond a normal photograph of birds. The narrative leading to this shot really sets the stage and I can imagine you as the story teller where the crowning achievement is to unveil the masterpiece.
Thanks for taking us with you on this unique and inspiring experience.
Scott, thank you for sharing this image, and your creative process, it was an inspiration and a motivation. Keep up the great work, you’re the real deal.
Thank you Scott. You inspire and move with your art and words. A true Mentor and example.
One side question though… Which is harder to photograph: brides or bears?
Scott H.
Calgary
Thanks. It’s much harder (and more dangerous) to get to the bears, but they don’t fly and generally move pretty slowly. They’re also larger so in general, bears are much easier. Birds are easier to find, but getting them to pose is hard :)
An breathtakingly beautiful image. I find it more appealing than even Cranes in the Fire Mist.
And a thought provoking commentary to go along with the image. The concept of artistry or artistic intent being more important to inspiring (as this is) imagery than the technical aspects is one that I think many of us forget.
I suspect that more wonderful shots have their technical flaws disregarded than the other way around. How often we see shots that are technically perfect (well exposed, framed, lit) but uninspired.
But then again, it’s easy to say that when your image exhibits both artistry and technical mastery in spades.
Stunning.
Thank you.
Wonderful photo – and moving commentary. I’m a budding enthusiast, but I have noticed that my photographic experiences have already opened up a whole new way of looking at most everything. I now enjoy the simple as well as the complex images in nature. life, and other people.