Mine is NOT skill!

  Have you ever seen a photograph of a bird that seems a whole lot larger than it should be?  The same thing goes for pictures of giant snakes, huge moons, tiny architectural landmarks and gigantic people?  These are all usually photographs that use the technique called "forced perspective".  It is not a hard thing to accomplish.  It merely is the angle of the photographer against the subjects in the photograph.  In fact, the results can be quite impressive.  The photographers practice their skills and become adept at this "sleight of hand" parlor trick.  Their works are viewed and passed around as "true" phenomenons.  Most are not trying to be dishonest but are merely taking that incredible picture.  It basically has become an art form in itself.

  Then, there are those of us who do this without thinking.  Sometimes, I get so involved in getting the "great shot" that I accidentally do a bit of forced perspective.  Trust me.  It is unintentional as the subjects of my picture-taking are impressive enough without me trying fancy them up with my skills.  My photography is greatly lacking in so many ways but the subjects around the Bayou are beyond ideal.  

  Case in point is the osprey that was diving for mullet in the middle of the Bay.  I had no intention of this bird looking like it was some huge prehistoric dinosaur trying to snag breakfast.  It just happened.  Am I proud of the effect of a big bird and small building?  No.  In fact, I was highly disappointed that I did not get a clear shot of the osprey.  I so was in hopes to get the "perfect shot" of an osprey catching a mullet.  It did not happen.  The building in the background looks pretty good, however.