I have many images of great blue herons and frequently overlook them when I’m out shooting. However, this day I came across one that was quietly feeding and the sun was just right. After a few shots I began searching for a different way to photograph this one. I though of a “light painting” image but it was 5:30 pm and I knew that was impossible, plus if it were dark shining a bright light would frighten it away. So I put my hand in front of my lens, spread my fingers and took the picture. The dark areas of this image are my fingers with the heron in the space between. So, I discovered you don’t have to wait until dark or use a flashlight to get a “light painting.”

Canon 5DMark III; 500mm; ISO200; F8; 1/640; 1/29/15