As I stood photographing Roseate Spoonbills on the bank at Ding Darling NWR, I wondered how I was going to come away with an image that was truly unique. My friends and I had often discussed the fact that we enjoyed being on our own in the field. The solitude allowed us to concentrate on capturing that "one in a million" image. Looking at the photographers lined along the bank, I wondered how many of the images they would take that day would be something not already captured and published. It was then that I made the decision to leave those pretty pink birds and venture off in search of a situation or subject not as common.

Heading down the path away from the parking lot, I kept watch for a subject that was truly my own. Red-breasted mergansers were about, but they were backlit. I could not find a position where I could create the image I wanted of them. On the other side of the path alligators were sunning on the banks, but that was not the shot I wanted. I continued on, a little frustrated and wondering if I had wasted valuable shooting time. I soon decided to turn around. Retracing my steps, past the crowd of Spoonbill Photographers; I was still in search of my subject.

Just down the path from the Spoonbills I found an Anhinga sunning. The setting was a simplistic mangrove tree background. Morning sun fell across the bird and leaves creating shadows in the deep recesses of the trees. This would make the background dark, creating a "spotlight" effect on the subject. Keeping the sun directly behind me, I set up my tripod. This was where I would shoot for now.

The Anhinga was very comfortable with my presence as he continued on his daily routine of sunning and preening. He would pause for only a moment to look into the lens, then he was back to his own life. Wet feathers were making this bird less than desirable for photography. But as he was drying I realized he was going to make an interesting photographic subject. You will never hear me say what a beautiful bird he was, he just wasn't pretty. In my opinion, from the tip of his spear shaped bill to the end of his webbed feet, this bird was one big case of Ugly! And I considered it my job to capture what little bit of beauty there was in this subject on film.

The word Anhinga is from the language of Amazonian Indians. The bill, which is sharply pointed, has a serrated edge for cutting. Anhingas, also called snakebird or water turkeys are about 3 feet in height and have a wingspan of 4 feet. Their feathers, which are not waterproof, force the bird to sun after each dive to dry. These birds were made for swimming as well as diving with their webbed feet and nostrils that have no otter opening. But the most remarkable thing about these birds is that they are actually able to control the amount of air in their bodies giving them the capability to either float or submerge themselves.

As I started to shoot, another photographer quietly approached. I motioned for him join me. We stood together shooting and talking quietly while we each enjoyed the company. It seemed this photographer was also in search of a something a bit unusual. Neither of us minded sharing the subject.

Just as the end of the first roll came, the bird dove back into the water and was off in search of a snack. I had only been given a few minutes to make the most of this opportunity. My intent was to capture on film not only the birds' personality by also a simplistic style that didn't detract from the subject. Let's face it, this ugly bird needed all the help I could give him!

Several of the images that came back from the lab had the qualities I wanted; a non-competing background with proper exposure of a black bird, and a pose that actually make this subject attractive. These images for me were special and I was pleased to see that I had been rewarded for my efforts and the sacrifice of leaving my most desired Spoonbills.

But is it really necessary to turn down a good photo opportunity because there are many other photographers already shooting there? Probably not is my answer. I like to believe that we each have our own shooting style, our own technique, and our own idea of what our image should have in it and what it should not. The most sophisticated camera can not create great compositions. Correct exposure is subjective. I would like to think that with even our most wonderful modern day equipment, truly unique i mages are not created by technology or the situation, but rather by the photographers' mind. If this were not the case, we would all have images that rivaled the Jim Zuckerman's and Arthur Morris' (and all the other extraordinary photographers of our day). No, it is here; in the human brain that the creative process starts, comes together, and incorporates technical data to create that most unique image.

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Debbie is the Founder and Publisher of PhotoMigrations and would like to invite you to also visit her personal website located at Debbie Ferrell-Smith Nature Photography - you will be pleasantly surprised!.