Details

Limited Edition of 125. Photographing from a kayak can give you a great angle of view and perspective, especially when photographing waders and other birds that frequent rivers, lakes and estuaries. On this occasion it was a Sacred Kingfisher (Halcyon sancta) that happened to catch my attention. Taken in Raglan Harbour at low tide meant I was able to conceal myself by paddling up one of the small tributaries that feed into the harbour. At low tide these tributaries are a great way of concealing yourself, as they sit much lower that the surrounding mud flats. This was particularly useful when trying to creep up on this kingfisher as they are normally very skittish and will fly off at the slightest disturbance. Not only was I able to conceal myself but being able to shoot from such a low angle added more intimacy to the image and it helped me separate the kingfisher from the background. The small branches protruding from the mud, which the bird had chosen for its lookout, also help frame the bird rather nicely. Printed on Ilford Smooth Cotton Rag 310gsm.