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MacDonald


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Zen Photography (Advanced Editing IV)
Collection: Great Blue Herons
Camera: Canon EOS-20D
Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Location: California
Date: Jul 30, 2006
Aperture: 4.0
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/250
Galleries: Animals, Water
Date Uploaded: Jul 30, 2006

 When I sit with a bird, I get totally filled with peace. I am present in the moment - that feeling, to me, is Zen

Shutter speed priority, 1/250 - f.stop - 4.0 - iso 100

After comments: I love that some of the comments supported my belief about Zen. I respect those who don’t agree with me. To me, Zen is all about the stillness of the mind…I enter into a covenant with this heron where we are present with each other for hours at a time.
I did not try to make this shot of the heron ‘fit’ the challenge. I have other more typical Zen shots that I was considering until I had the chance to photograph the heron in the peace-filled state that is my challenge. See the photo I titled "Returning" in my portfolio for one example.



Statistics
Place: 157 out of 329
Avg (all users): 5.5971
Avg (commenters): 7.2500
Avg (participants): 5.4954
Avg (non-participants): 5.7113
Views since voting: 677
Views during voting: 288
Votes: 206
Comments: 6
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 08/09/2006 06:59:19 PM
greetings from the critique club.

overall i think this is a great idea for the zen challenge. the ripples in the water really add to the overall composition, so that was a good find on your part.

i would like to see the colors pop more, however. they do seem a bit washed out. more contrast would really make the scene vibrant overall.

otherwise, this is a fine shot. good sharpness, good DoF, and a solid composition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/07/2006 09:46:28 AM
So incredibly underrated!!! To me, that bird looks as if he was literally posing for a zen photo. The balance on one foot. The perch on that particular spot with the beautiful soft greens as a backdrop.

Where he should be perched is on the first or 2nd page minimum!!!!!!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
08/04/2006 12:47:49 PM
Beautiful! The detail in that bird is amazing! I love the one-footed balance! Perfect for a zen depiction! Very nice job! 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/03/2006 11:39:39 PM
Yes, I feel the sense of zen in this one. The bird seems to be one with the environment around him, and he seems to be in tune with his surroundings. The little bit of movement in the water just may be his dinner. Very minimal subject matter, I LOVE how he's beautifully perched on the rock. Great job from the 'Great Job Baggie'!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/02/2006 12:02:48 PM
cool looking bird!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/02/2006 07:39:51 AM
between mind and body
hides the neck

between self and world
hides the leg. 5
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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