Susan Oliver, Harbour View Gallery’s Resident Bird Photographer, Places in “Top 100” in National Audubon Society’s Annual Photography Contest

Cape Coral photographer Susan Oliver’s entry “Cathedral in Cypress” was selected from thousands of entries.  The photograph of a female Anhinga was taken in Lakeland, Florida and showcases not only the bird, but also the wild beauty of the landscape.

Says Susan:  “Before Hurricane Ian changed much of the landscape at Florida’s Circle B Bar Reserve, there was a stretch along Alligator Alley near Lake Hancock that I referred to as the “Bird Photography Studio.”  The light filtered beautifully through the cypress trees, and the draping Spanish moss created a soft backdrop for any bird that perched there.  On this walk, it was a female Anhinga that stopped me.  While the striking black plumage of the males often draw attention, I was captivated by the subtle elegance of the female’s buff-colored neck and the curve she formed against the moss.  I have noticed that photographers frequently walk past Anhingas, especially the females.  I wanted the image to show the quiet elegance of a bird that is often overlooked.”

It’s easy to think that photographers get shots like this because they are in the right place at the right time.  But that’s only because they put themselves in that right place and right time.  They research, study, track behavior patterns, sunrise and sunset times, weather conditions and wait.   But that’s just part of getting the shot.  They understand lighting, depth of field, shutter speed and all the other technical considerations that ultimately give them a shot like “Cathedral in Cypress.”  Susan herself has been studying and taking photographs of wildlife for more than 16 years. 

And another reason we are so proud of Susan:  Bird photographers are the ultimate conservationists.  Their insights enable organizations – especially the Audubon Society – to focus on the changes that impact these incredible birds and hopefully help “bend the bird curve” to keep their habitats safe. 

Visit us at Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral to see more of Susan’s emotionally moving work.

Congratulation, Susan!!!!