Would you take the shot?

The popular wisdom among photographers says that the best results are achieved when you are at eye level with your subject. Avoid taking shots from a higher position, as the distance between your subject and the background becomes smaller and the image will not appear as attractive as when photographed at eye level.

But when you are shooting wildlife, you do not have many options. It is either take the shot or miss it. So, if you see a bird like the one in the picture above, would you capture the moment or let the opportunity that nature has given you slip away?

My opinion? I never waste an opportunity.

I wouldn’t consider the picture above to be bad, and here’s why:

Moment and Expression: You captured the bird mid-call, with its beak open and feathers slightly ruffled; that’s a dynamic, storytelling moment that adds life to the image. Those moments are hard to predict and even harder to catch sharply.

Lighting: The morning light beautifully enhances the bird’s black plumage, revealing the subtle iridescent tones and the red-and-yellow markings on the wings. That detail often gets lost in harsh or flat light.

Composition: The placement of the bird slightly off-center works well. The surrounding lily pads and reflections add a natural context without overwhelming the subject.

Depth and Contrast: Even though the photo is taken from slightly above (which some would avoid), the depth created by the water texture and lily pads makes it visually engaging.

So, even if it’s not “eye-level,” this image works because of its emotion, timing, and natural composition. In wildlife photography, the story often outweighs textbook composition rules — and this photo tells a strong one.