Serenity In White

Congratulations! This is the Image of the Week selection for the Birds Gallery, week ending 13th July, 2012!
>Click here for large version<

This was shot on last year's Japan workshop. Whooper swans can also be photographed outside of Japan, but nowhere do you get to shoot them with such stunning scenery and backdrops as on Hokkaido. We visited this great lake that freezes over in winter, except for a few parts close to shore where warm water from natural hot springs runs into the lake. Obviously, the swans prefer this over the ice, and as the rest of the lake is frozen, there are many swans in a few relatively small areas - perfect for photographers.

On this particular morning the conditions were excellent - a crystal clear sky with a good view of the mountains in the background, fog, some soft sunlight, and a lot of swan activity. We got flocks flying low over our heads, fly-by's, landings, take-offs, wing flapping etc.

I selected this image because of all the different activities in one image; sitting, sleeping, flying, landing and calling (the one on the far right in the distance).

Curious what you think.

Marsel

Wow.

Marsel
I so enjoy viewing your images....they are a work of art. This one is wonderful.

Truly stunning, and what a great story it tells. As you mentioned, there is so much to see and decipher. The back drop is stunning, as is the icy water in the foreground. This is extremely artistic.

Totally awesome in my book! Lots to look at and gives a good feeling of being there in person. Could you post shooting data Marsel?

Paul

What a breath taking scene Marsel, outstanding!

RichS1

An outstanding presentation!

one word, amazing. 2 words, still amazing, 3 words, god darn amazing, 4 words, can't think of any.

This kind of image that you never tired of looking at it, I want to make a 60" and put it on my wall.

Too good! The larger version deserves a long look.....so much to see. Love it!

Wonderful, a great image! congratulations!

www.ninograngetto.com.ar

Lovely shot, Marsel.

Super image Marsel. Having shot there in 2006 I wish I had the same clear skies that you captured along with all the diverse swan activity. Very well composed

Fabulous image, Marsel. It's full of life and art; what more could the viewer wish for?

The combination of action and peacefulness is awesome here ...
Excellent shot, Marsel!

Very nice. Love the light and feeling to this image.

I absolutely love this image Marsel! It has my vote for image of the week!
Bob

Love it marsel.. I bet getting good conditions there are not often.. so kudos to you for getting the shot on this perfect day..

WOW ! Beautiful image , Marsel ! TFS !

Gorgeous image, well done.
Regards
A. Meir

Thanks for all the kind words, and sorry for not posting the shooting data. Here it is:

Nikon D3, AF-S VR 70-200/2.8 @ 130mm, 1/1600 @ f/8, ISO 400, handheld