Ivey Kennedy | Wildlife + Nature Photography

Summer Tanager ❤️ Crossed off this lifer while visiting Louisiana and I swear photos will never do this beauty any justice. I’m trying to capture more landscape oriented photos because I believe they convey more of a connection to the environment. What’s your preference, landscape or portrait? Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom

Can you spot the fly? I have to admit, I made a mistake. Once I got my new A1II, I forgot to change the file format to shoot in RAW so these are all JPEG 😭 Lesson learned! I wasn’t able to denoise these images in post-processing but I’m surprised to see how sharp they are! Photographing my first Tree Swallow took a lot more effort than I was expecting! They can reach up to 40 miles per hour, so that didn’t help my tracking! Hoping to get better at in-flight shots, but I hope you enjoy these! Shot on @sonyalpha 1 II with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #swallows #wildlifephotography #birdphotography #birdinflight #sonyalpha

This past Sunday, I woke up at 4:30am with the goal of capturing Osprey in action at my local state park. It’s funny how quickly I got up from bed compared to when I have to go to work. After an hour commute, I arrived at the pond and waited. I wasn’t the only photographer with that goal, others waited in anticipation. Then it finally happened. One came flying overhead and circled. Then he dove straight down with talons extended into the water. Osprey are not like other raptors, for they have spicules (small spikes) on their feet and a reversible outer toe that allows them to grip slippery fish. I’ve never witnessed them in action and it honestly took my breath away. As quickly as he dove, he was out of the water and flying away with his catch. Luckily the precapture on my A1ii didn’t miss a moment! I couldn’t decide on the composition so I decided to share them all with you. The reflection of the Osprey in the pond versus close-up shots. I hope you can feel the energy in these photos that I felt capturing that moment 🤍 Shot on @sonyalpha 1 II with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #sonyalpha #sony200600 #osprey #wildifephotography #birdphotography

Ruby-throated Hummingbird My favorite time of year is here: spring migration!!! While visiting Louisiana, I was hoping to spot a hummingbird (any species would’ve made me happy). Luckily another birder showed me the right direction and I found them feeding off this Crimson Bottlebrush. They were even fighting each other over this plant! It was close to sunset and the lighting was tough but I managed to save these photos with some editing. Can’t wait to see these beauties here in Colorado! Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm #rubythroatedhummingbird #hummingbirds #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #sonyalphafemale

When I started out in photography, I remember I would skip over editing photos, thinking they had no potential. How silly of me to think that! After realizing that if I put a little time and effort, I could create something I considered art. Although I still receive criticism from my editing style, I want to encourage anyone who might be hesitant and skip photos because they weren’t perfect in camera. The reality of photography is that you’re not going to get the best shot every time. But it’s always worth testing your editing skills and seeing what you can create. Remember, photography is an art! Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #wildlifephotography #photoediting #lightroomediting #madewithlightroom #sonyalpha

These are photos that you can hear if you know the call. The Western Meadowlark is one of my favorite song birds here in Colorado. While driving through my local wildlife refuge with @some1stopbryan_photography , @britdahlphoto and @the_nature_girly , we spotted this beauty perched on a metal post backlit by the sunrise. It was around 30 degrees so we were able to capture their breath! I’ve always wanted to capture a moment like this and it finally happened. Experiencing that moment with friends made it even more special 🧡 Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom

If you like birds, you’re in the right place 🤍 #birdphotography #birdphotographer #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #womeninphotography

Found my first Barn Owl here in Colorado, and this is the photo of that memory. Sometimes when you take the photo, it isn’t what you envisioned. I felt that same way for this photo. I knew I could make it my own and that’s when editing comes into play. Although this photo was taken in harsh lighting of the late morning, the cavity created ideal shadows and light. I just needed to emphasize it! I darkened the surrounding environment, accentuated the direction of light from the top of the cavity onto her face. It brought the focus to her! Let me know if these tips help and if you would like to see more tutorials! 🤍 Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #editing #photoediting #madewithlightroom #lightroomedits #lightroomtutorials

Swipe to zoom in on the sleepiest face 🖤 I’ve been trying to spot this Eastern Screech Owl for over a year. Last winter, I drove hours to this spot hoping to see him but always missed him. I attempted multiple times and failed. But this spring, I encountered my first ESO and decided to push my luck and visit this spot again. I walked by but saw the cavity was empty. I knew it was too good to be true, I already saw one ESO why the heck did I think I would see two?! Right when I was putting away my camera gear, I noticed the Black-capped Chickadees were having a fit. I walked back to the spot and there he was!! Perched perfectly in the cavity that seems to be made just for him. Thank you for showing up for me 🥹 Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #easternscreechowl #owlphotography #birdphotography #sonyalpha #wildlifephotography

Western Kingbird With warmer days and spring blossoms ahead, I thought about my encounter with this beauty last spring. Taking a drive through my local wildlife refuge, I spotted birds among the sunflowers. I pulled down my window and saw him perched so perfectly on the sunflower and right next to one! I grabbed my camera as quickly as I could and prayed I captured something and these were the result. What some people might drive by and not give a moment of their time, I decided to take it all in. Looking forward to more moments like these this spring 💛 Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #birdphotography #birdcaptures #sonyalpha #madewithlightroom

If you’re not a birder, then try again! Birding has become such an important part of my life. It brings me joy yet challenges me. I’ve never felt closer to nature than I have now that I’m a birder. I’m more active, less anxious, and overall a happier human being. I think the world would be a better place if we were all birders, don’t you? #birding #birdphotographer #birdwatching #birdlovers #birdwatchers

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to encounter this couple. The first photo is of the female nesting and the second is of the male keeping a watch on her close by. While the female incubates, the male hunts and brings food to her until the owlets are independent. It was such a gift to witness this bond and I’m beyond excited to see this family grow. Let me know which photo is your favorite! 🖤 Shot on @sonyalpha 7 IV with the 200-600mm, edited in @lightroom #owls #owlphotography #birdphotographer #birdphotography #greathornedowl