Eurasian Roller (Coracias g. garrulus)

[Martin Dunn]

http://www.wildlifephotographyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/eurasian-roller-samburu.jpg

The Eurasian Roller, sometimes called the European Roller)

Captured in Samburu NP, Kenya

Nikon D300s
Sigma 120-400mm lens @400mm
1/1000s
f7.1
ISO400
Handheld

[Grace Scalzo]

Hello Martin,
Wonderful subject. Haritat is busy, but he's perched nicely above it for the most part. The stray stick in the lower left corner could go. I think the bird could use a bit more sharpening and you can post images larger here which helps us to critique it more effectively. I like your composition and the bird is making nice eye contact with the viewer and has a pleasing catchlight in his eye. I hope to see more of your work.

[Lyle Gruby]

Hi Martin, beautiful bird. Your perch is a little busy, I'd crop in from the left a little bit, and try shooting later in the day as the light looks a little harsh here. Looking forward to more as well.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Martin, a big welcome to BPN, and a great place to learn and share. I like that the roller is posed nicely in the open, and a good angled pose too. Colours look spot on, cool OOF BG, and agree, removing the twigs in the LLC wont harm the image. I would liked to have seen this at 1200 wide. :w3

[Martin Dunn]

Thanks for the comments.
Some advice please.
Stuart ( and others) suggest I post a larger image. I can do that but then I have to reduce the quality to remain under 400kb.
Do you rather have larger images of slightly lesser quality?

AND

If I create a larger version can I repost straight away or must I wait 48 hours?

[hennieloots]

Hi Martin - I agree with comments stated. I am also new here and BPN is a great place to learn; I have learned much in a very short time.
Regarding your question on IQ and size, see this excellent and very eas tutorial - http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/62351-Saving-for-Web-in-PS
Regards
Hennie

[jack williamson]

Hello Martin, as long as it is the same image you can repost changes to this thread now. ( Moderators please slap me if I gave Martin wrong advice.)

Jack

[Martin Dunn]

Thanks Jack,
Here's a bigger version which has been cropped to take account of the suggestions y'all made.
http://www.wildlifephotographyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/eurasian-roller-L.jpg

[Satish Ranadive]

Martin,
I like the bigger re post. Superb image of beautiful roller.Very nice pose with nice HA, colors and composition.
Love the frame. Have you thought of vertical composition?.

Regards,
Satish.