Monday, November 12, 2012

Favorites Series II


If you didn't see the first post in this series last week, I'm going back through my photos from the past year and picking out some of my personal favorites. The choices aren't based on technical correctness or popularity, just my own liking.

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This is one of my favorite squirrel photos primarily because the little tree rat is in its natural environment rather than sitting at a feeder where they are usually found. Like the blue jay shot from last week, this has the branch bokeh stuff going on and the squirrel appears to be checking things out before moving in to raid the goods. Tree rats are like furry little ninjas, after all.




I have yet to get many woodpecker photos that I really like, but this is one of those "I got lucky" shots that has become my favorite. This female Red-bellied Woodpecker visited the big platform feeder and grabbed a sunflower seed. She was kind enough to pause so I could trip the shutter.




Of the snake photos I've taken, which isn't many, this is among the top two or three I really like. To me, the outstretched tongue exemplifies what snakes are all about and Mother Luck helped me get this. Even though this was just a little garter snake in my backyard, it still has that classic mean snake look. Snakes just look mad even when they smile.




This is one of my favorite waterfowl photos, period. This is a situation where burst mode was my friend. The rest is just the right place at the right time and paying attention. I have nothing else that comes close to the bubble formed by this Mute Swan. It definitely made the shot.




26 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Oh boy, I need lessons! Well, first I need a better camera, then the lessons! Seriously Brian, your photos just ROCK.

Tammy said...

These are all great, Brian! Love the forked snake tongue and the close up of the Red-bellied!

Deb said...

I see why they are your favorites

Gary Jones said...

some amazing images there Brian, well done

Faye said...

Boy do I love this series, Brian. Hope you know your Roman numerals way up high. :-) I appreciate your sharing the reasons that they're favorites--great way for us to pick up some photography hints. Thanks for your closeups of these wonderful creatures.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Love them all! Incredible photography! I could never photograph a snake as I usually scream then run upon first view! Swan photo is probably my favorite!

Amy Burzese said...

I can see why they are your favorites. They are simply marvelous. There are so many things I could say about each one. The little ninja is my fav, I think.

Beth said...

All excellent!!

Jan n Jer said...

Love the snake shot...you take an awesome photo Brian.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Love this series of your favorites, Brian! They are incredible! I love the furry little ninja!

MTWaggin said...

Ninja tree rats - love it! That woodpecker is just lovely, you can keep the snake but the swan is my favortie. Just plain cool and even better that it was one of those lucky shots!

TexWisGirl said...

yup, ninja rat steals it for me. just so much character in that little face/body. the snake shot is greatness.

barbara l. hale said...

I can understand why each of these is a favorite. They are all pretty spectacular.

Gail Dixon said...

The way that little squirrel is hugging the tree is just adorable. I agree with all your reasons for liking these shots, and I think it's great that you're doing this series, showing us your best. Looking forward to more!

Grandma C said...

My favorites of all your prize winning photos are the swan and squirrel.
My fear of slithery things would make it very hard to get a clear photo of a snake. You did a great job of capturing his mood. lol

genie said...

You continue to amaze me. This last shot is unbelievable. How you do it I do not know. When are you going to put your pictures into a book? You are one remarkable photographer. genie

Nancy J said...

Each one is superb, maybe the swan/ or the squirrel. I would find it so hard to select one only. Waiting for the next installment.Cheers from Jean.

darlin said...

Wow, these are all so perfect, so crystal clear and true to life colors. You still amaze me Brian, and yes, I still aspire to take photos this good one day! Thanks for the inspiration. :-)

Anonymous said...

I love the little squirrel peering around the tree. All these photos are wonderful images!

Andee said...

These are all great shots. I love the swan picture. Furry little ninjas hee her

Pamela Gordon said...

These are all beautiful examples of your work. The swan would be my favourite too. Is 'tree rat' a southern expression? :)

Leenie said...

They all look like winners! Do you enter photo contests? You should be taking home some big prizes.

Andy said...

Excellent grouping of photos. I'm like Indiana Jones. I don't like snakes.

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Wonderfull captures.. Congrat..

Tezzie said...

*jaw dropping* I totally see how these would be some of your faves!! (other than the snake, though...sorry...I'm sure it's fabulous photographically speaking, but I had to scroll past too quickly to notice. DEATHLY phobic, here ;D). The bubble swan, though...INcredible!

Lindsjö taxar said...

What great favourites, the last one is super