Photographer: Rick Chaffee, Poulsbo, Washington Image Title: Great Blue Heron Category Runner-Up: Wildlife   Technical Details: Nikon D1x digital camera, 70-300mm lens on tripod, f/8, TIFF file Location: Boat docks, Poulsbo waterfront Description: I had most often seen herons at a distance, and they always appeared gray. One morning, I went to the docks at first light, hoping to capture fog or boats. I saw the heron on a piling with green grass, so I set up my tripod and began shooting. The morning was very bright with clearing fog, and the heron was somewhat backlit. By compensating my exposure for the heron, the detail on the background was blown out! When I got home and worked on the image, I was amazed at the beautiful, subtle colors that herons possess.     My father helped me purchase my first camera some 40 years ago, when I was still in junior high school. I have been taking pictures ever since. After four years as a photographer in the Navy, I pursued my dreams and graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. Since then, I've worked as an industrial and scientific photographer at the largest shipyard on the west coast for more than 30 years.   My hobbies include hiking, kayaking and bird watching. I have always had and interest in nature photography and have just recently been directing my free time to that passion. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank a higher power for all the beautiful things that I have experienced because of photography. I truly believe that there is no job too small in photography, because you never know where that one little job my lead you.   Rick Chaffee Phone: 360-779-6086 E-mail: kohaku@tscnet.com Web: www.tscnet.com   Return to 2003 Galleries | Return to 2003 Wildlife Gallery     Home | Contact Us | Copyright