© Sudhir Shivaram Photography | Gokulnath Raja | Activity

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Spotted (Deer) in SolitudeThe sun was setting in Bandipur. […]

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:15:10 +0530

Spotted (Deer) in Solitude

The sun was setting in Bandipur. I was returning from a dry safari when I spotted this Spotted Deer; seemingly lost. The herbivore is often ignored in the land of big cats, but the dynamic lighting in the scene interested me. I set the exposure for the brightly lit open grass and recovered the underexposed subject and…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 12:35:59 +0530

Beautiful

In reply to - Sachitananda Jena posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Norternpintail splashing water in golden light for take off Camera-Canon […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 04:09:10 +0530

True. Thanks!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Sunset Solitude

I clicked this graceful cattle egret in the Pallikaranai marshlands in Chennai; its bright breeding plumage glowing in the […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Sunset SolitudeI clicked this graceful cattle egret in […]

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:26:06 +0530

Sunset Solitude

I clicked this graceful cattle egret in the Pallikaranai marshlands in Chennai; its bright breeding plumage glowing in the golden hour.

Device:

Canon 700D | Sigma 60-600 mm Lens | Hand held

Camera Settings:

1/1000 sec | f/6.3 | ISO 400 | 600 mm

Post Processing in Lightroom:

Enhanced Exposure and Whites on the bird to highlight…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 04:23:17 +0530

Yes, you are right. The image looks soft. It was dark so I used a slower shutter speed. Much of the brightness you see in this image was achieved in Lightroom. The aperture I used was the widest supported (at 800 mm)

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Dabble and Wabble

I have been wanting to photograph Grebes for quite long now. I regularly visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:30:47 +0530

This is beautiful

In reply to - Ketan Rane posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Plum headed parakeet Portrait
This shot was taken at Sattal from a hide on a tripod. The light was low at 7am but being on tripod I could use low […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Dabble and WabbleI have been wanting to photograph […]

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:36:35 +0530

Dabble and Wabble

I have been wanting to photograph Grebes for quite long now. I regularly visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marshland, Adyar Eco Park, and other water pockets in and around Chennai hoping to get a close-up shot of these cute wading birds, but they have been evading me until I finally found this cutie in Kumizhi Lake…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:26:14 +0530

Wow. Looks like a painting!

In reply to - Ratul Dasgupta posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

After receiving advice on my previous silhouette photo, I decided to apply it to a new image taken at the Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary. With […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:07:57 +0530

Sure. Please ping me when you are here.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Sceptre of Nature!

Determination in its eyes and aggression in its attitude, this angry-looking Ashy Prinia ascended to the top of the […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: The Sceptre of Nature!Determination in its eyes […]

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:40:48 +0530

The Sceptre of Nature!

Determination in its eyes and aggression in its attitude, this angry-looking Ashy Prinia ascended to the top of the cattail leaf and held on to it like a royal scepter. It felt as if it has conquered the world!

Prinias are a common sight in Pallikaranai. This freshwater marsh in Chennai is a bird sanctuary, but also…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:13:26 +0530

Beautiful

In reply to - SAISHARAN A.K.R posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds Portrait of Oriental Darter

Pallikarnai Marshland is the place where I captured this image. Its a sequel of my previous post.

Idea behind […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:16:02 +0530

Thanks!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

I am watching

Look at the eyes; so intense! Err… owls are scary.
Look at the eyes; so innocent! Aww… owls are cute.

I was startled by the loud shriek […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: I am watchingLook at the eyes; so intense! Err... owls […]

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:30:10 +0530

I am watching

Look at the eyes; so intense! Err… owls are scary.
Look at the eyes; so innocent! Aww… owls are cute.

I was startled by the loud shriek of this spotted owlet. It was perched on a branch, that ran right above my head. It was an opportunity for a great close-up shot, but the angle was too steep. I walked backward till I got a…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 16:28:01 +0530

Agreed.
This was cropped 1:1 for Instagram.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Quack-Flap-Quack

The Scene:
Well, I am not going to pretend here that this composition was intended. I wished for a close-up shot, capturing […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 16:06:33 +0530

Thanks, brother.
Yes, I cropped it such that the tree fills the frame.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Quack-Flap-Quack

The Scene:
Well, I am not going to pretend here that this composition was intended. I wished for a close-up shot, capturing […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Quack-Flap-QuackThe Scene:Well, I am not going to […]

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:14:46 +0530

Quack-Flap-Quack

The Scene:
Well, I am not going to pretend here that this composition was intended. I wished for a close-up shot, capturing the intricate beauty of the duck’s feathers. The limitations of the focal length of the gear actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The lush green habitat (Adyar Estuary, Chennai) looked…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 17:12:01 +0530

Yes, it is! Thanks!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Pond Hero(n)

In a sanctuary of pelicans and painted storks, common birds like the pond heron are often ignored. But sometimes they can pull a […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 18:45:44 +0530

Love this!

In reply to - Rajendra Pawar posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

I was taken morning & evening safari at Pench Maharashtra but no big cat found at evening we return back to the gate that time monkey and […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 18:45:13 +0530

This is just WOW!
I feel the white frame is a bit distracting, esp. as I am using my browser in the ‘dark’ mode. In the ‘light’ mode it looks all-natural.
Otherwise, the photograph is so inspiring.

In reply to - Bhushan Dusane posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

When Sunlight is favouring you…(Shining Spotted Deer)

Pench MP

Regular morning Safari , saw movement of spotted deer. As the sunlight was good at […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 18:40:34 +0530

Wow! Love the sparkle in its eye! And the background is so smooth.

In reply to - Basit Alvi posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Lesser WhiteThroat

The light was beautiful this morning and I saw this bird perched.

Gear used: Nikon D7200 and a Tamron 150-600G2 lens.

Shot […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 18:39:10 +0530

This is fantastic! The light, the frame cast by the shadows, superb!
I think the tiger could have been placed a little more to the left. Now it keeps us thinking ‘what is he staring at?’.
(I don’t know if there was some thought in choosing this position).

In reply to - Sudhir singla posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds JHIRNA QUEEN Corbett National park Uttrakhand India After back to back safaris in dhela zone of Corbett National park ,we were exhausted from […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Pond Hero(n)In a sanctuary of pelicans and painted […]

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 18:34:51 +0530

Pond Hero(n)

In a sanctuary of pelicans and painted storks, common birds like the pond heron are often ignored. But sometimes they can pull a pose that you dare not miss.

This hero(n) stood there, on the bank of the Vedanthangal Lake, enjoying the spotlight cast by the setting sun. The fiery sunlight reflected from his dagger-like eyes made…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:29:21 +0530

True, Sir. The forest looks all the more majestic from the waters.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Ambush

Disclaimer: This image is an experiment of my photography and editing skills

I was on a safari boat in the Bhadra reservoir. 90 minutes […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:51:54 +0530

Original Photos

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Ambush

Disclaimer: This image is an experiment of my photography and editing skills

I was on a safari boat in the Bhadra reservoir. 90 minutes […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: The AmbushDisclaimer: This image is an experiment of […]

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:46:08 +0530

The Ambush

Disclaimer: This image is an experiment of my photography and editing skills

I was on a safari boat in the Bhadra reservoir. 90 minutes into the safari, no predator in sight, I started settling for the terns and deer. This little fawn strayed away from its herd, exploring the forest all by himself. Our guide suddenly sensed something…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:11:38 +0530

Beautiful colors

In reply to - Amol Mahajan posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Red-billed Leiothrix

A plump, brightly colored babbler of dense forest. The yellow-orange breast and red bill are distinctive.

Native to Asia, […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 02:42:26 +0530

Thanks!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Curious George

This family of monkeys was so adorable. The three mothers sat in a close circle cuddling their coy kids – two were suckling while […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:59:33 +0530

True that!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Curious George

This family of monkeys was so adorable. The three mothers sat in a close circle cuddling their coy kids – two were suckling while […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Curious GeorgeThis family of monkeys was so adorable. […]

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:43:09 +0530

Curious George

This family of monkeys was so adorable. The three mothers sat in a close circle cuddling their coy kids – two were suckling while the curious little George peeked out to check what was going on.

I was pretty close to the troop when I took this shot. They were highly skeptical of my movement, ready to flee at the slightest hint…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:21:26 +0530

Beautiful

In reply to - Navile Shroff posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

I was on a family trip to Alibag near Mumbai last weekend. As a habit I carry my entire camera kit even on personal holidays. There was a sweet […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 02:40:04 +0530

Thank you for your encouraging words, Sir!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Standing Tall

Manivilundhan Lake is a small under-rated freshwater lake in Viluppuram (Tamil Nadu) with a good population of wading birds. I was […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:15:23 +0530

Superb

In reply to - Vikranth Thupili posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Egyptian Vulture- Recently had travelled to Segovia region in Spain which is habitat for one the world’s largest raptor colonies. When […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:14:02 +0530

Beautiful

In reply to - Bhushan Dusane posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Frame in Frame

Pench, MP

Morning Safari Just started, every time we shoot tiger, I requested our guide to wait for some good shot of […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Standing TallManivilundhan Lake is a small […]

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:13:04 +0530

Standing Tall

Manivilundhan Lake is a small under-rated freshwater lake in Viluppuram (Tamil Nadu) with a good population of wading birds. I was lying low, stashed into a shrub of prosopis juliflora, when this curious stilt came foraging near the bank of the lake. It was 6 pm, and the golden rays of the setting sun caressed the curves of this…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:56:08 +0530

Hi. Beautiful photograph!
Where do you birdwatch in Salem?

In reply to - siva kumar posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Evening at Salem, Tamilnadu

These adorable immature bee-eaters eagerly wait for their mother to bring them a delicious meal.

Nikon D7500

200-500mm lens […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:55:16 +0530

As beautiful as a painting

In reply to - Udhay masireddy posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Magic of golden light at sunsetThis was shot at around 4:30pm that day the sun was very bright and good orange light and some of the bonnet […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:54:41 +0530

Frame-worthy shot

In reply to - Dr.Archana Belekar posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds Magical Stripes !!!Satpura tiger reserve After three failed safari at Pench , we proceeded to Satpura with not much expectations. On entering […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:16:52 +0530

Thanks 🙂

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Silent Observer

The smaller the bird the more difficult to click it. First, spotting them is a challenge; second, they just don’t […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: Sparrow-SwagThe scene:It was 6 pm in Munnar (Kerala) and […]

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:15:27 +0530

Sparrow-Swag

The scene:
It was 6 pm in Munnar (Kerala) and the sparrows were returning to their home – a lush tree. I was on a balcony that overlooked the tree, quietly observing the birds as they came in one by one. The sparrows followed a pattern. They flew in, perched on an open branch for a while before disappearing into the canopy.

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Wed, 24 May 2023 20:35:07 +0530

Thanks 🙂

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Silent Observer

The smaller the bird the more difficult to click it. First, spotting them is a challenge; second, they just don’t […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: The Silent ObserverThe smaller the bird the more […]

Wed, 24 May 2023 17:17:02 +0530

The Silent Observer

The smaller the bird the more difficult to click it. First, spotting them is a challenge; second, they just don’t stay still!!!

This juvenile pied bush chat was pretty animated, frantically hopping from branch to branch as I tried to click it. After a few failed attempts of clicking it, I decided to put away my camera,…

Gokulnath Raja started the discussion Sigma 150-600 mm in the forum General Chit Chat

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:29:48 +0530

Sigma 150-600 mm

Hi. I am a wildlife and bird enthusiat. I use a Canon 700D with 55-250 mm lens, but aspire for a lens with longer focal length for those amazing close up shots. However, I don’t want to spend much.

How does the Sigma 150-600mm perform? Can I go for it?

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: The Watch KeeperVigilance in his eyes, valor in his […]

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:59:33 +0530

The Watch Keeper

Vigilance in his eyes, valor in his attitude – he stood on the vantage point, guarding his kingdom like a wary watchkeeper. I clicked this Grey Heron in the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary near Chennai. The setting sun highlighted his figure, making him look even more furious. The shade in the background made him stand out…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 18:28:50 +0530

Thanks a lot, Sir! I will work with higher ISO in my upcoming shoots.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

50 Shades of Orange

(Disclaimer: This is an explanation of my thought process behind the editing)

I like to experiment in Lightroom, especially […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:26:39 +0530

Beautiful. Love the color contrast!

In reply to - Sudipta Sinha posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Supper at leisure (Flamingos in my backyard)
Flamingo Sanctuary, Nerul, Navi Mumbai

Recently, the near-threatened lesser flamingos formed a large […]

Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds: 50 Shades of Orange(Disclaimer: This is an explanation of […]

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:25:55 +0530

50 Shades of Orange

(Disclaimer: This is an explanation of my thought process behind the editing)

I like to experiment in Lightroom, especially with the hues. It was winter, and the forest of Bhadra was covered in lush green when I clicked this. Our safari driver told ‘The mood of Bhadra is different in the summers. The leaves turn orange, dry,…

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:46:20 +0530

Sure. Here it is. Increased Shadows to 20

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Swag

The Sun had just started lighting up the forest of Bhadra. This majestic Sambhar stag was peacefully grazing to our left and suddenly […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:27:37 +0530

Thanks for the inputs. Appreciate it!

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Swag

The Sun had just started lighting up the forest of Bhadra. This majestic Sambhar stag was peacefully grazing to our left and suddenly […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:16:14 +0530

Yes, subject is underexposed. I will try enhancing the shadows.

The deer looked away when he moved rightward. And the bonet of our jeep started appearing in the frame.

In reply to - Gokulnath Raja posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

The Swag

The Sun had just started lighting up the forest of Bhadra. This majestic Sambhar stag was peacefully grazing to our left and suddenly […]

Gokulnath Raja posted a new activity comment

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:27:26 +0530

The composition is just fantastic!

In reply to - Vikranth Thupili posted an update in the group Wildlife and Birds

Indian Leopard- Picture was taken in Jawai during a safari. We had dry safaris, sightings were hard, this was due to new male coming into […]