The Zaanse Rietveld in the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn contains a protected area with a very large shallow pond, where birds like to hang out. I like to come there for a while 'birding' and sometimes take the camera with me. On a late summer day, I was lucky. You don't see a spoonbill here very often and to be able to snap one in this pose is special.
I did edit the background a bit, because it made the whole image more beautiful. The spoonbill and the pose come out well.
For me, birds symbolise a piece of freedom. That this spoonbill can perch here carefree and meanwhile 'brush' indicates that he or she is comfortable.
I love photographing animals in somewhat unusual poses. See also my images of a swan, a jackdaw and the dancing chicken.
I have been photographing since I was 15. Bought my first SLR (Olympus OM-1) when I was 23. Since then, photography has never let go of me. Had little time for it, though, due to career and my own business (since 1996). Now that I am retired,.. Read more…