In this case study, we will focus on achieving reflections (where possible). We will understand the right camera angle and the right lighting to achieve this image.
Location
In the Ecuadorian cloud forest of Mindo we have a location where our local guides have been living close to nature and in doing so have earned the trust of these wild birds who would occasionally come down to setups to feed on fruits.
Composing the shot:
In the past, we have created setups where we place the feed in such a way that the bird would land precisely where we want it to. Having said that I usually try to position my camera at an angle higher than the bird to create a reflection in the water. However, as a suggestion to my tour participants, I always let them know to bring shorter focal lengths to capture as much as possible which in this case was not possible as I always shoot with my 600mm.
Lighting
The source of light was natural, and I waited for a long time to get the exact pose I had in mind. The bird perched looking the other way with the head turned around looking into the camera.
Post-processing:
This is how my image straight out of my camera looked like:
As always, the first plan is to take care of the raw file and process the image to get it as close as possible to the final image.
For this image, I selected auto white balance as it gave me the perfect balance of colors to play with in post-processing. I over-exposed my image slightly and pulled out some details by increasing shadows.
Next, I opened the image in raw editor on photoshop for editing.
I noticed the overexposed plate on its bill, which needed to be fixed. So I selected that area using the quick selection tool (W) and underexposed it by 40 points.
Next, I selected the bird again using the quick selection tool and inversed it to select the rest of the background. Once that was done, I brushed it with a light-yellow color to bring the focus on the bird.
Since my image was very close to how I wanted it to be, I resized the image to 1800 pixels on the vertical side.
Next up, conversion to the right profile and save.
Save as jpeg and select the highest quality to save.
About The Bird
This active Tanager is found in the neotropical and sub-tropical forests of the Andes usually in pairs or as a mixed flock on the canopy. They also visit fruit feeders and can be spotted in gardens. The sexual dimorphism in this bird is distinct. The male bird has a steely blue body, sea green throat, streaked upper breast with a contrasting black nape and cape and dark wings. The females are lime green in color with pale blue head and breast, unlike the male bird the female just have a trace of the black cape. This vibrant Tanager can be easily recognized and sings in a whistling tone.
