Out of the Dark

Written By Ray Hennessy
 

Photographer: Jonas Janss Haugli

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1/1000 • f/7.1 • ISO 4500 • Nikon Z810 • 220mm • Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII + 2x TC

Western capercaillies are impressive birds. In the spring, they meet on their lek to fight and display. After the lekking season is over, they go back to their secretive life in the forest. But a small percentage of the population have a significantly higher level of hormones, especially testosterone. These birds can display anywhere anytime through the year, and see every living creature as their enemy. Dogs, humans and even cars, they throw themselves at you without fear. Meeting one of these deviant capercaillies, I was able to make some quite different images as he had no fear and displayed on a small hill in front of me. When the Capercaillie folds out his tail during display, a half circle of white patterns emerges. With an otherwise dark background and the black plumage of the capercaillie, I used a heavy underexposure to make an image highlighting the vibrant red eyebrows and the tail feather pattern.

 
Ray Hennessy

Starting in 2007 my fascination with nature photography began.  In the years since, wildlife photography with a focus on birds has gone from a very passionate hobby of mine to become my career. I spend much of my free time in natural areas searching for birds and any other wildlife that comes along. I concentrate on using creative natural lighting and interesting compositions to capture unique images of common and rare wildlife. My favorite style is a more scenic photo that includes some of the habitat wildlife lives in. I also enjoy passing along the knowledge and experience that I have gathered over the years to other photographers who are eager to learn.

www.rayhennessy.com
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Quiet Reflection