Sparrow and vine

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Sparrow and vine

January 29, 2013 by Mike Powell

The crisscrossing pattern of the vine and the cooperative pose of the Song Sparrow combine to make this photo one of my recent favorites.

It is always exciting for me when the elements of an image work together in interesting and unexpected ways. I was attempting to photograph this Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) when he flew onto this stalk. He was facing away from me, but I kept shooting and them he turned his head. I am not sure that I could have intentionally come up with a more interesting pose—I love the way we are looking down his back and get to see his wings and also get a clear view of his face.

When I first looked at this photo, though, what caught my eyes the most were the crisscrossing vines, an unanticipated bonus. The X-shape of the vine is both linear and curved at the same time and I chose to crop the photo to highlight this feature.

One of the things that keeps me thrilled about photographing nature is the balance between preparation and spontaneity, between technical excellence and creativity. I try to put myself into situations outside in which I know there is a chance that I will see something interesting and then prepare myself (and my camera) to take advantage when something does happen (and it’s usually not what I anticipated).

Posted in Art, Birds, Nature, Photography, Portraits | Tagged Canon 55-250mm zoom lens, Canon Rebel XT, Huntley Meadows Park, Melospiza melodia, song sparrow, sparrow, vine | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on January 29, 2013 at 6:20 am | Reply trumantesta

I love to this Sparrow’s photograph and now it is also my favorite one, you have taken this photograph at perfect time when he flew onto the stalk. It’s really an unanticipated bonus for you. Great photography keep it up.
- on January 29, 2013 at 6:50 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks for your encouraging words. I love taking photos and my skills and instincts are improving as I do it more. Still, it helps to be lucky.
on January 29, 2013 at 7:28 am | Reply trumantesta

Dear Mike,

Nice to come across your blog. I’m following you so keep posting.

Thanks
- on January 29, 2013 at 7:35 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I try to post most days, so keep coming back. Thanks for choosing to follow my blog.
on January 29, 2013 at 9:38 am | Reply theprojectboard

Beautiful composition.
on January 29, 2013 at 10:23 am | Reply Vicki

a truly wonderful moment captured.
on January 29, 2013 at 11:15 am | Reply Sue

Beautiful shot, Mike.
on January 29, 2013 at 12:59 pm | Reply lylekrahn

No question your photos are getting better. So much truth in what you said about preparation and spontaneity.
on January 29, 2013 at 1:33 pm | Reply caleephotography

This is a really great shot, Mike! Love the composition, the sparrow’s position, the harmonious colours! Bravo 😀
- on January 29, 2013 at 8:36 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I had a feeling that you would like this one, given that you have displayed a really sensitivity to color and composition.
on January 29, 2013 at 8:53 pm | Reply kylechavez2011

Love the colors of this sparrow, great photo 🙂
- on January 29, 2013 at 8:56 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. This winter I have developed a real appreciation for the different sparrows (and finally can identify several of them).