Smooth River Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is the Rio Lis (Lis River) in Leiria. Leiria is a city in the middle west of Portugal. This was shot today while I was making a photo-reportage for the local Town-hall. I discovered this spot while crossing a small bridge in the downtown area. I only had time to mount a (very) small tripod on my camera and take the picture before the bird flew away. Exposure was 1 second to make the water blured.

moi, Marcie, ninfa_urania, Curioso, Joker, Deven, Carma, rodalvas, PLD_images, lermission, Albrecht, thewanderer, tomaszmarcinek, jstewart, borja, iGirl, f_ckoff, MLINES, wodigori, sadeik, jean11-3, branley, Silversnow, LAPIAZ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ornis (1271) 2003-11-17 16:21

Fantastic combination of this sharp beautiful bird and running waters. Kind of lucky shot (every photographer dreams of that situation), but so well framed and realized that it seems it has been taken in paradise land!

[4]

zto (292) 2003-11-17 16:21

I honestly don't know what else to say then, I LOVE IT.
The water looks like mist floating in over the rocks.

[2]

Liora (1857) 2003-11-17 16:31

Amazing! so powerful yet so serene... Great photo. Very well done!

[2]

mtolloczko (201) 2003-11-17 16:32

Aha... It is a pity that I cannot vary the exposure on my semi-automatic canon. The water looks like cloud and the bird appears to be standing atop of a mountain peak. A most striking image. Perhaps the blue hue is a little oversaturated.

I made a workshop where I reduced the blue and added a little green and red, reduced gamma, increased contrast and brightness and cropped out the overhanging branch.

[4] [workshop] [compare]

chrischris (859) 2003-11-17 16:35

Great great great... What could I add? All is perfect here : just an artistic shot, so no any technical points. Lovely composition with an incredible atmosphere, really well done. I can only write a subjective critic about this image. I like it very much, congratulations.

[2]

RobBrown (1789) 2003-11-17 16:35

Nice one you did well for the bird to stand still while the time passed.
the contrast of the flowing water against the sharply seen heron.

[2]

Clochette (8076) 2003-11-17 16:41

At the first glance I hesitated between cloud, snow or water...?
The general color mood is enhanced by the slight touch of red repeated twice, on the bird bill and on the branches.
It is just a dream vision. Fantastic.

[2]

quegardens (1469) 2003-11-17 16:53

Muito agradável!....little need for more words to acknowledge this great capture.

[2]

CoolDan (2490) 2003-11-17 16:55

Il ne semble pas nerveux cet oiseaux!
C'est une fantastique photo Miguel. L'effet de l'eau est superbe.
Tout est très bien. Félicitations.

[2]

Fredrik77 (1279) 2003-11-17 17:02

An amazing picture. Such sharpness on the bird and the branch and still having the water blurred. You even managed to get a good composition despite the stress of the situation. Very impressing!

[2]

jmcrosa (711) 2003-11-17 17:10

Excelente esta foto!
Composição muito boa e efeito da água magnifico, aqueles ramos parecem-me a mais!
Parabéns!

[2]

martin (1242) 2003-11-17 17:28

This is absolutely stunning. As others have said, the contrast between the moving water and the static heron is magical. Brilliant.

[2]

justrob (273) 2003-11-17 17:32

Lovely foto.

What wonderful luck to have him sit still for a second. What great eyes to see this.

One of the best photographs here at TE.

[3]

Guzman (577) 2003-11-17 17:34

Wow Stunning capture, and the branch to the top corner really sets it all off, for once I am Speechless and gobsmacked by this, thanks for sharing well done BRAVO!!!!!

[2]

mitternacht (1836) 2003-11-17 17:42

Incredible! The bird must have been a real poser. This is just beautiful.

[2]

saitekx36 (54) 2003-11-17 17:52

wow !! wow !!! wow !!!
A well accomplished opportunity ..... At the right place, at the right moment ....And with the right kwnoledge .............. Congrats !!!
Pls have a look at my work

[2]

ninadev (5225) 2003-11-17 18:18

Fantastic. Almost as if walking on clouds or in a dream. Ii also like this monochrome color.

[3]

shoko (1055) 2003-11-17 18:51

WOW! all that the members said plus... c'est un régal pour les yeux. Une source de jalousie; j,aurais aimé faire cette photo!

[2]

aferrao (1074) 2003-11-17 19:03

Simplesmente fantástica!!!
Nem a vou estragar com palavras!
Perfeito!

[2]

Kenny10pin (19301) 2003-11-17 19:55

Well done, good capture and timing.

Keep up the good work

[2]

soundsangels (1695) 2003-11-17 21:42

Je nous considere tres chanceux de vous avoir maintenant parmis nous comme membre de TE.
Avec une photo comme celle-la...vous nous comblés tous....

Un gros merci...et félicitation...!!!!

[2]

HRKTLI (35) 2003-11-17 22:06

The is another one of those shots we would all love to get. I like everything about it. The color is a mystery as to the time of day. If it was my own photo, I would clone out the tree branches on the right for a totally clean shot, but they also serve the purpose of tying the photographer to land.

[4]

olli (2091) 2003-11-18 1:28

This image looks like a dream – excellent atmosphere. Very-very-very beautiful and simple shot. Still, I would crop that branch out to highlight the simplicity. One of my very favorites shots.
I have missed your previous shots – they are excellent so very big smile for them, too...

[2]

mortijo (12158) 2003-11-18 7:19

Allthough all has been said, I wish I good make photographs like this.

[2]

tdanny (663) 2003-11-18 9:42

Incredibly majestic heavenly shot !
Seen some ancient Chinese paintings on cranes with clouds but this is real, almost couldn't believe my eyes.
Perfect (minus the twigs)

[2]

PLD_images (7141) 2003-11-18 16:19

Well, everything has been said I think... Just wanted to add that I find this photograph to be wonderfull. It's a great capture of moment and expression. Very nicely done with the long exposure.

[2]

Motrem (2392) 2003-11-18 17:12

This photo is an enjoyment for eyes. Excellent technique. Bravo!
Cette photo est un délice pour les yeux. Excellente technique. Bravo!

[2]

flip89 (3345) 2003-11-18 19:16

It's so unfair :-(. If only I have a smidgen of your talent, your eye, your vision, your technique, your aesthetics ... and your luck! And I am so glad that you are willing to share your wonderful gift (and some tips) with us, mere mortals. This is just fantastic.

[2]

mathiasmo (1729) 2003-11-20 13:51

everything has been said, but I have to: espetacular! like a bride's veal!

[2]

jonitox (5) 2003-11-21 16:20

Parabens, uma bela foto

Didi (36044) 2003-11-22 12:26

Cette image est magnifique, vous avez bien mérité toutes ces bonnes critiques de la part des collègues".
J'ai effectué un WS un peu original.

This image is splendid, you deserved well all these good criticisms on behalf of the fellows ". I carried out a little original WS just for fun.

[2] [workshop] [compare]

dominique (11403) 2003-11-23 4:19

Extraordinary photograph, which chance. It is the photograph which everyone wants to make. framing has the color all is good.

[2]

drteddy (277) 2003-11-30 10:15

Simply speechless!!!!

[2]

kazan (775) 2003-12-08 10:32

Amazing photo with great technique and great luck I must admit, regarding the fact that the bird stood still for your slow speed!
Well done!
Panos

[2]

padam (186) 2003-12-09 16:43

Simply magic.

[2]

light (865) 2003-12-21 10:32

Perfect Zen, magical, calm, simple at the utter level. Perfect exposure, timing, definition, composition, atmosphere, nothing to say, just to look, feel and vanish.

22 favorites!!!

[2]

pascalbene (1730) 2003-12-25 12:18

Wow ! Sometimes, in front of an image, only the silence does agree. I know, it's not a "useful" critic, but...

[2]

kooki (550) 2004-01-09 9:23

Tres belle composition. La plupart de vos Fotos sont d'un style tres personnel.
Felicitation !!!

[2]

goerhal (781) 2004-01-09 11:44

Well what can I say? One of the best birdpictures I´ve seen. And the little branch in the upper right makes this picture even better! I hope the bird really has two legs.

[2]

estruch (354) 2004-01-16 19:15

Just perfect...thank you Miguel!

[2]

ruisimas (188) 2004-01-20 9:11

Linda foto

swallace (972) 2004-01-20 9:55

Very beautiful. The water is so smooth. Very well done, awesome photo!

[2]

piozac (2058) 2004-02-17 6:17

What an excellent shot!!! You were lucky that this bird didn't move...

[2]

touristdidi (8561) 2004-02-19 11:36

VEry nice, very artistc looking..... great painting in watr colors!

[2]

Lolydodia (578) 2004-02-22 10:26

beautiful picture it almost looks like fog pouring down a hill. with the whiteblack bird standing in it it givs a almost dreaming feeling. very well done!

[2]

eleparc (24059) 2004-03-10 15:49

You were so lucky that the bird remained still. playing with the shutter speed as you did gives great results. it shows here! bravo! Ilike the DOf and the sharp focus on the bird. The branch also brings out something more to the photo IMO.

BHo (2177) 2004-03-26 8:31

The overall white makes the bird stand out in the photo. I think the tree branch adds another element and changes the feel of the photo as well. Very pleasing to look at. Nice composition.

[2]

kourosh (2368) 2004-03-31 1:54

wonderful. the smoothness and whiteness of the water is amazing. luck the bird didn't move. great work.

shadi_atos (403) 2004-03-31 2:12

Wow what a great shot, well seen, the bird is so beautiful, well done

moi (146) 2004-04-26 17:10

perfect photo it's so excellent to see this

ninfa_urania (799) 2004-05-07 3:00

Hola Miguel:
A celestial atmosphere, the fall of the water reminds me to the clouds or the hair of the angeles. I like temper of the bird, I like the angle from which captured it, its position and its look in front of the fall of the water me the fantastic encounter. The water has a The fruits and the leaves of the branches, they give him a charming and earthly touch. Tranquility, still, beauty, is an image that inspires many, many and more beautiful things. Son fantásticas tus fotos Miguel. Felicitaciones. *Ninfa Urania*

[3]

cloverstar (0) 2004-05-09 9:04

Fantastic Miguel. The one second speed has certainly created this wonderful image well. Congratulations, and proud to make this a 100 point pic. Very well done.

[2]

kikvel (4772) 2004-05-11 9:09

Amazing!!!! Unbelievable! fantastic photo, the blurred water makes a special impact that gives you a sense of flowing and movement while the bird is frozen right there

[2]

seywerd (31) 2004-05-28 14:48

All I can say is excellent and quite unique.

[2]

DavidX (321) 2004-05-28 14:51

Another very pretty shot of yours. I've had an opportunity to see all your work. You have a strong eye.

[2]

waskahegan (0) 2004-05-28 15:35

The effect in this picture is stunning, the water movement is well recorded, the still bird is a great contrast and focal point

[2]

olspar7 (212) 2004-05-28 15:43

Wow. I might crop out the leaves to the upper right. What a wonderful shot!

[2]

sengir (4946) 2004-06-06 10:41

this is something phantastic! You should start in some competitions with it, only crop the right side (like in one of the workshops). Anyhow - brilliant!

[2]

Joker (312) 2004-07-08 11:57

Fantastic picture, reminded me a Japanese drawing. The river looks like snow pouring down the hill. Unable to comment, just contemplating...

[2]

umbrellaphotos (1901) 2004-07-23 12:45

This is great. I'm amazed you were able to capture so much motion in the water with only a second shutter speed.

[2]

airin (172) 2004-07-30 3:16

Absolutely fantastic shot, Miguel. It looks like in winter, but when you focus, it is really amazing. Great details, not only bird, but also tree branch. Great!

[2]

amanda (226) 2004-08-16 23:35

Great shot! I can't believe the bird didn't move!

[2]

Carma (2440) 2004-09-10 4:55

Amazing,misty, nice motive for haiku poem.

[2]

dovi (1068) 2004-10-18 9:02

Great shot, all was written just wanted to add my humbelled 2 ponits....

rodalvas (629) 2004-10-22 19:33

Pouco resta a acrescentar... Não há dúvida que esta fotografia merece um lugar de destaque em qualquer colecção.
Parabéns

[2]

mynottc (1) 2004-11-21 5:19

This is really tremendous. A lucky capture since the heron can be quite easily spooked. It must have been frozen for you to allow the 1 sec exp. Bravo!

[2]

wisat (408) 2004-12-06 8:38 [Comment]

Show Comment

Maru (0) 2004-12-16 6:51

Miguel, what a superb shot! The peaceful bird in middle of the river. The composition is really good. I like the exposure you used for the blurring of th water. The soft tones creates a mystic atmosphere.
I made a small ws. Hope you don't mind.

[3] [workshop] [compare]

Budha3 (73) 2005-01-11 2:26

Wow!!What a beautiful shot with this heron standing in what looks like mist flowing all around.Using the slow exposure really make this shot work.If I knew how I would add to my favourite.

[2]

whalerider (45) 2005-01-11 3:06

I have just been looking at all of your photos and I think you are truly gifted. Beautiful work!

[2]

ashmash (199) 2005-01-13 12:12

AMAZING!
nothing more to say.

[2]

Saar (571) 2005-03-23 13:21

This picture is weird, strange and outstanding! It's confusing at first, what are we looking at? But I like it a LOT!
Nice one Miguel.

adios sarah

alita (477) 2005-04-18 17:16

spectacular and amazing!

[2]

lermission (300) 2005-04-26 4:19

Very nice shot !
I find this picture very beautifull and I dream of making such a good job.
Can you tell me how you manage to have a non overexposed photography with 1 second exposure ?
Thank you for this shot.

Regards

Pierre

[2]

IaKoop (819) 2005-05-03 23:10

Just one more awestruck viewer. Wow!

[2]

Albrecht (11002) 2005-06-06 16:56

Hi Miguel
Absolutely beautiful. Great job. All has been sad.
Greetings Albrecht

[2]

bnallama (3755) 2005-06-06 17:02

Just a note to say that it is a wonderful shot. Bala

[2]

jheitzeb (136) 2005-08-20 2:20

It is a magical photo...like a painting. Bravo!

[2]

rajhema (1863) 2005-09-12 9:50

a devinely effect. Nice one Miguel. I try to take a day time slow exposure shot but end up over burning. May be the camera's f factor is too low to allow more light.

[2]

venus (736) 2005-09-26 17:56

Birds are usually very fearful, but this one is very brave. Great shot.
I would never imagine that I can see a photo like this.
Very good work.

[2]

bikram (48) 2005-10-05 3:50

Very beautiful and well done shot. Cheers

[2]

Internaut (128) 2005-10-06 14:02 [Comment]

Show Comment

leonardhuller (53) 2005-11-07 18:31

A M A Z I N G ! ! !

[2]

jrleborgne (1036) 2005-11-07 19:04

Superbe cliché. Ce héron, emmanché d'un long cou, semble imperturbable. L'effet de l'eau qui s'écoule est tel qu'on croirait de la neige très fine ou une substance fumigène artificielle.

[2]

thewanderer (100) 2005-12-04 17:12 [Comment]

Show Comment

Henryk_Bilor (20365) 2005-12-04 17:28

Excellent photo. Nothing else to said.

[2]

DarkoG (2284) 2005-12-18 3:00

Just one word
BEAUTIFULL
Congratulations

[2]

jstewart (1081) 2006-02-09 23:20

I saw this image a long time ago on TE and thought I'd critiqued it as being totally outstanding. But I see I never did. This is truly magnificent for all the reasons the many reviewers have mentioned. A once in a lifetime shot. Thank you!
John

Svillegas (1165) 2006-03-17 2:55

Hi Miguel
Incredible shot, really wonderful. Really nice effect with theblured water and the frozen bird. Magnific!
Sonia

[2]

borja (174) 2006-03-23 3:17

Hi Miguel!!

Nice Shot!!! It's perfect. the water seems to be fog at the first time... i love it!!

luisafonso (858) 2006-03-27 5:25

Fabulosa. Composição perfeita com a garça no sítio certo. As rochas adicionam muito drama à fotografia e o movimento da água torna o momento numa cena altamente espiritual. O tom monocromático reforça a mística do momento. Prefiro a imagem sem os ramos do topo (no workshop) pois acho que não adicionam nada de importante à foto e distraem um pouco o olhar do sítio certo. Parabéns, é uma excelente imagem.

[2]

fertxu (325) 2006-04-12 11:25

Hello Miguel
WOW!!
Wonderfull shot. What could I add?
Regards, Fernando

Stan (2766) 2006-04-12 16:04

Bonsoir Miguel,
Just one word to say: BEAUTIFUL!!
Thank you!
Serge

mus (159) 2006-05-01 16:14

Its hard to describe in words how nice this picture is

iGirl (1223) 2006-06-26 12:07

Hi Miguel, great job capturing this bird before it flew away! I love the soft texture of the water flowing over the rocks. I think maybe the shot is better with the branch cropped out, though.

Thanks for sharing!

Erin

capella (176) 2006-06-28 12:01

hi Miguel... perfect capture, great composition, nice exposure... it's going to my favorites... well done...

arnoud1976 (1191) 2006-07-11 3:25

Hello Miguel,

good idea. very inspirational image and excellent capture. i love it. THANKS.

regards arnoud

leiju (1679) 2006-07-23 18:28

What a mind-blowing picture!
Simply amazing!
There are no words... it is Perfect!
Thank You!
Julia

eugeneahn (298) 2006-07-23 18:50

Serenely gorgeous image. Quite an accomplishment!

MLINES (10868) 2006-07-23 19:00

Hi Miguel, Wonderful composition of this bird. It is so much suited to the background. Good clarity and colour. One of the best birds seen to date. Congratulations. Murray.

bigric (2873) 2006-09-13 1:27

I have never had a bird stand still for one second over moving water as well.Great work.
tfs Richard.

lilimih33 (9872) 2006-09-18 17:36

Hello Miguel! (my best friend name is Costa too). Super! Super ! Super! Congratulationes! Lili

jcdurka1 (1940) 2006-11-13 7:28

Good idea to use a long time, and lucky that the bird didn't move. Very nice result.
Regards
Jean-Claude

uccia84 (720) 2006-12-11 18:12

sembra nebbia....favoloso l'effetto ...sembra un mondo incantato..nuvole scese in terra a deliziarci di questo stupore.

Viera (884) 2007-01-07 3:16

Hi Miguel,
there are many beautiful photos in your gallery.This one is superb.I like the composition and the way you captured the water.Silhouette of that bird is charming.
Very nice.
Regards,
Viera

sadeik (3159) 2007-01-21 13:37

Anothe master piece, a perfect shot.

Simon

jean11-3 (2799) 2007-02-20 15:14

Hi Miguel,I've just discovered this gem,fantastic treatment of the scene.
Doesn't the heron just make this shot?
I love it,well done.
Best wishes Jean.

rubisheikh (77) 2007-05-16 16:52

Amazing photo with great technique and great luck I must admit, regarding the fact that the bird stood still for your slow speed,Thank for sharing,
Great Peace of Work.
Best Regards Rubi.

jdwyer264 (1082) 2007-06-22 12:06

A beautiful shot Miguel, though I think the branch is a negative addition, as the heron and river alone fill the frame and also give the illusion of an artificial image, which I think adds quite a lot.
TFS

agrin (108) 2007-09-13 19:48

Great shot - a favorite.

brunello (0) 2007-09-25 23:19

Beatiful picture. The water taken in that istant was fantastic.

Ciao Bruno

lasscor (7637) 2007-10-16 3:48

Hi Miguel,
Lovely minimalist artistic composition, full of softness and poetry.
Like a japonese painting.
TFS,
Corinne

broken_nail (190) 2007-11-10 2:46

Hi Miguel,

Earth (tree and rocks), time (water) and us (bird).
We fly away, the time passes but the earth "should" be there always.

TFS
Bye bye
Gatti Matti

branley (3681) 2007-12-06 4:12

Hi Miguel,

I came across your image on the home page and I'm just blown away by it. There's nothing more I can add apart from, it's a superb capture. Well done and it's one for my theme, TE Moments.

Regards

Stephen

jrmejias (247) 2008-03-23 4:29

hi Miguel, really nice shot, the feeling of the water and the bird is magic... Thanks, Ricardo.

giorgimer (21034) 2008-04-12 13:54

Hi Miguel,

absolutely great!

Extraordinary effect given by the blurry water behind the bird. Well composed.

TFS

Gio

Silversnow (2107) 2008-05-27 12:03

Wow! You were indeed very lucky to have that heron in the stream, posing motionless for one full second :D
A great composition, relaxing colors, nice foamy waters and a superb result.

NicoleP (520) 2008-09-21 1:18

Bravo !
beauté absolue
Nicole

zahoor_salmi (2413) 2008-09-27 10:05

Amazing! so powerful yet so serene... Great photo.

cerenguven (202) 2009-02-02 6:13

Hi miguel,

This is definitely very impressive!

TFS

C

coco (27786) 2009-02-23 0:30

Hola Miguel.

Una foto espectacular y perfecta.
Poco más se puede pedir.

Carlos.

LAPIAZ (1574) 2009-03-04 1:55

Hello Miguel !
Trés belle photo, quel contraste entre le flouté de l'eau en mouvement et l'oiseau qui semble si immobile, vraiment trés réussi !!
Cordielemnt,
Anna

Vague (5) 2009-11-25 23:26

This is perfect! The speed selection made it all so atmospheric! Yet the stillness and concreteness of the bird is amazing.