Meerkoet, by Rob van der Waal

This time of the year many birds are working hard to grow up their chicks. While searching for a more creative capture, I saw it, felt comfortable with the light and composition and decided to capture this juvenile coot in its natural environment.

Nikon D4S with 200-400mm + 1.4x | Exposure 1/400sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 3200 | Focal Length 550mm
Meerkoet, by Rob van der Waal

Award Winner: Photo of the Day | August 26
Award Score: 68 (Value 12, Clarity 12.5, Composition 18, Style 12.5, Skill 13)
Photo of the Day Award Category: Wildlife Photography
Photograph Location: National Park Bieasbosch, Netherlands

Photographer: Rob van der Waal (Hellevoetsluis, The Netherlands.) Registered
Rob van der Waal was born in 1957 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. His father was a passionate photographer who taught him the basics of photography. When he was 7 years old, his family already had a darkroom on the top floor of their family house. His dad was on the edge of what was possible those days, using 2 Leica M3 bodies, and was developing black/white and color films by himself and with some modifications to his equipment, created images of 40x60cm. Apart from his father’s touch and some workshops, Rob van der Waal is an autodidact. With reading, listening and most of all just doing, he developed his creative and photography skills. To briefly summarize his style in photography; pure and honest are the key words that come close. He loves to be out in nature and enjoys the space, light and birds, and on those frequent trips his camera is his companion. He believes, some interest build into his DNA is “maritime”. It’s his preference to be at the waterfront, the sea, and close to ships and its related activity. He feels fortunate to live close to Rotterdam, a harbor area in the Netherlands. He will always respect nature and animals. He hopes more people will support this principle. What triggers him in photography is that, it is never done, complete or finish, as there is always a way to playing with the light and the moment, which gives the opportunity in another way to tell the story!

Portfolio: http://www.robvanderwaal-fotografie.nl
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rvdwaal_foto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/waalrob