Portrait of a Barn Swallow

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Portrait of a Barn Swallow

May 5, 2013 by Mike Powell

With the arrival of blue skies, I was finally able to a close-up shot of a Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) with a natural backdrop (vice the white background of the overcast days).

The lighting was beautiful and the swallow cooperated by turning its head slightly, enabling me to capture the catch light in its eye. The shadows are pretty minimal, but help to keep the image from being too flat.

I even like the serious expression on the swallow’s face, as though he had decided that this was a formal portrait.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, Portraits, wildlife | Tagged Barn Swallow, Canon Rebel XT, Hirundo rustica, Huntley Meadows Park, Sigma 135-400mm telephoto zoom lens, swallow | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on May 5, 2013 at 7:32 am | Reply Michele D'Acosta

Mike, your photograph is outstanding. Behind the lens I sense a man with a huge heart and great dedication. Thank you for making my day with your artist’s eye. Blessings, Michele
- on May 5, 2013 at 7:34 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Wow. Thanks, Michele. I feel humbled by your words. Have a blessed Sunday.
  - on May 5, 2013 at 7:39 am Michele D'Acosta
    
    The grace and beauty of your photography has touched me deeply. Thank you so much. A blessed Sunday to you, Mike.
on May 5, 2013 at 7:58 am | Reply Sue

I think this is one of your best, definitely worth hanging on a wall!
on May 5, 2013 at 9:21 am | Reply New Hampshire Gardener

I agree. Frame it!
on May 5, 2013 at 9:51 am | Reply joeschelling

Excellent shot, Mike. It’s not every day you get such a great opportunity and when they come, to catch it just right!
on May 5, 2013 at 10:16 am | Reply Joel Eagle

Beautiful Mike!
- on May 5, 2013 at 1:24 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Joel. Are you back in the USA now?
on May 5, 2013 at 3:03 pm | Reply caleephotography

Brilliant shot, Mike! Your pictures are getting better and better 😀 I love the expression on this bird’s face, and it looks as if he’s dressed up in his best clothes for this portrait.
- on May 5, 2013 at 3:39 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I am having a streak of good luck, especially with the swallows. I too love this bird’s expression.
on May 5, 2013 at 11:53 pm | Reply lylekrahn

Great shot. The bird and the bokeh are really nice.
on May 9, 2013 at 11:24 pm | Reply krikitarts

A beautiful portrait, Mike. Well done!
on May 11, 2013 at 5:00 am | Reply Barn swallows in love, video | Dear Kitty. Some blog

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on May 25, 2013 at 12:35 pm | Reply Barn swallow video | Dear Kitty. Some blog

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