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Chris van Rooyen
10-20-2008, 11:51 AM
I created this image of a Burchell's Sandgrouse earlier this year in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. I would have preferred a slightly better body angle, but I like the pattern that the droplets formed as he jerks his head back.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:06:12 10:22:22
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 9
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 640
Focal length: 1000mm
Vincent Grafhorst
10-20-2008, 12:43 PM
I agree with your self-criticism about the body angle, but apart from that minor nit this is splendid, lovely low angle and those droplets are cool. I also like the feet in the mud.
Arthur Morris
10-20-2008, 03:15 PM
Excellent image and spot-on self critique. Love the golden-buff tones in the bird's plumage.
Tony Whitehead
10-20-2008, 03:47 PM
Lovely colours. Droplets and beakful of water great. Agree with you re body angle but image still great. Wish the Double-banded Sandgrouse I was chasing recently would have come in before dark.
Linda Robbins
10-20-2008, 06:17 PM
The body angle may not be absolutely square to the camera , but the beautiful color, sharp detail, low angle and water drops make that a minor point. I've never seen a better image of this bird.
Aidan Briggs
10-20-2008, 07:02 PM
Wonderful image. Despite the body angle, the water drops, low angle and details make it spectacular.
James Salywoda
10-20-2008, 08:17 PM
I love the trailing water drops Chris beautiful detail and plumage......
Nagesh Mula
10-21-2008, 01:06 PM
Wonderful image with great sharpness and the droplet is making it more beautiful.
Axel Hildebrandt
10-21-2008, 01:37 PM
Great light, details and droplets. I might add a bit more room at the left if you have.
Glenn Price
10-21-2008, 04:06 PM
The droplets really make this image. Have you tried a close crop with just the head, neck and droplets?
Mark Schmitt
10-22-2008, 08:30 AM
I don't think the body angle is that critical. This is a fine image. All else has been said. Well done.
Arthur Morris
10-22-2008, 09:32 AM
I don't think the body angle is that critical. This is a fine image. All else has been said. Well done.

Hi Mark, I do agree that this is a fine image but when it comes to creating contest winning, awe-inspiring images the body angle here and the resulting head angle are critical. And Chris is a good enough photographer to have realized that right from the get go.
Gyorgy Szimuly
10-24-2008, 05:05 PM
I love as is. This is the way how bird is keeping the body while drinking.
For me it is a winner :)

Szimi