Malachite Kingfisher

[Bill Dix]

Here's another frame of one of the signature birds of the Okavango, at least in my humble opinion. I tried a version without the stems on the left, but decided they gave it some context. Shot from a makoro near Little Vumbura camp. Even posted at 1400 px as shown here, the bird will appear larger than lifesize. I didn't want to make him any larger.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm, ISO 1000, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual. HH

[Walker Noe]

Oh wow, this is incredible. I love kingfishers, and this guy is a beauty. Composition is nice and I do like the inclusion of leaves. Fine details and exposure as well. Fantastic image.

[William Dickson]

This is looking real good Bill. The exposure, detail and sharpness look spot on. I don't mind the stems, I think it adds to the image. Well done on nailing this beautiful bird.

Good work

Will

[Dorian Anderson]

Yeah, I think the stems are far enough from the bird so as not to be an issue. Color and details on the bird are superb.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Another beauty, Bill. Great detail and I like the water droplets on his chest .Also like the inclusion of the reed, with just the right softness in the BG.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu (http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu)

[Bill Dix]

Thanks guys. Your comments are appreciated.

[Glenn Pure]

Coming in late here. Beautifully done Bill. Yes, a signature bird of the delta for me. Your 600mm has helped get a bit closer to these tiny birds. Love the great detail you've achieved and excellent handling of tone and colour - your processing is hard to beat. Background and setting including the reeds work for me.

[gail bisson]

This is one of my favorites so far of your Africa trip.
Good separation on the KF from the BG. Good HA.
The whites on the neck look good.
I might be tempted to increase the brightness slightly. Well done!
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Thank you Glenn and Gail.