Austrian Nature Impressions, June 2017

1.Nationalpark Donauauen

This time, the pictures taken at Nationalpark Donauauen are dominated by landscape impressions, many of them taken with an infrared camera. The opportunities were endless, as we encountered some of the most impressive cloud formations we have seen for a while. This allowed for some experimentation with both pure black-and-white as well as “infrared blue sky” impressions. I would like to know which ones you like better?

One of my favorite pictures from this shoot is “Silver Poplar Dance”. I usually struggle trying to take pictures of forests, but I really like this high-key portrait. I started playing around with exposure times, to get the best high-key effect. Finally I decided on this version, which is more than 4 stops overexposed compared to recommended exposure. So there is your proof that sometimes it does pay off to deliberately override your camera…

2.Nationalpark Neusiedler See

For the second location, the pictures were taken at Nationalpark Neusiedler See – Seewinkel and in the surrounding areas. Many people know Neusiedler See as a renowned location for birders. Everywhere you will see people with long lenses, no matter which time of the year. Grey Geese are very common, especially when they walk around with their youngsters. We were also really lucky to spot a young Long-Eared Owl, clinging to a tree because of very strong wind.

The Little Ringed Plover I was actually unable to spot without the help of a friend. They really perfectly blend into their environment, especially when they don’t move.

My favorite picture from this afternoon is “Getting No Response”. A European Bee-eater keeps staring at a dead branch, seemingly to get a response? The picture is not perfectly sharp, but I like the strong graphics and the body language of the Bee-eater.

If you like this post, you will find similar pictures in the Gallery category of this site. Enjoy!