Mocking Cliff Chat

[Richard Flack]

141397

Mocking Cliff Chat - Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris

Spent a bit of time stalking cliff chats at a picnic spot in one of our grassland reserves. They are far more confiding in winter when food is scarce. This is the male of the species.

Location: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, South East Gauteng, South Africa
Date taken: 24 May 2013
Photo details:
Canon 7D / 400 f2.8
ISO 800
Shutter speed 1/500
F stop 5
Exposure bias -0.3
Spot metering
Sharpening for web, NR to BG

[John Robinson]

Nice looking bird Richard. Minor nit- I would tone down the foreground a bit maybe ?
Cheers
JohnR

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Really nice bird, good IQ and pose. I like the clean BG and the loose composition as it makes the bird to stand out.
I would suggest to tone down the grass on bottom as it seem to be a tad bright.

[Ian Wilson]

Good work Richard, the bird is spot on despite the harsh light. I agree with J C and JohnR re toning down the foreground a bit. Thanks for your generous feedback on my storm-petrel. Regards, Ian

[Marina Scarr]

Good pose, colors and exposure on the bird. Your light looked a bit harsh/bright. I would try to tone down (burn) the foreground grasses, and then I think this image would be much improved.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Richard, lovely low angle of capture, and well exposed on the darker plumage. The purple and orange plumage go well together. FG mentioned.

[Daniel Cadieux]

You did best you could exposing this guy in the harsh light, but I agree toning down the FG in post would highly improve the image.

[Richard Flack]

Thanks so much for the comments everyone. Have toned down the FG and looks a lot better. Thank you!

[Satish Ranadive]

Spectacular image. Beautiful colors, nice pose, BG and composition.Agree about FG.

Regards,
Satish.