Spotlit Spruce Grouse

[Krijn Trimbos]

Taken on my short encounter with this beautiful bird at spruce grouse trail in algonquin park in Canada. I followed it into the deep undergrowth were it suddenly stuck its head trough the understory and a ray of sunlight hit its head. Hope the BG isn't too messy for you guys, I thought it was ok like this.

Please let me know what you think.

Canon EOS 30D 1/60 f8 Manual
ISO 800
Canon 100-400 L IS USM F3.5-4.5
Focal Length 400mm
Handheld

[Doug Brown]

I like the way the sun catches the bird's head. You did a great job with the exposure and sharpness (especially considering that you hand held at 1/60). I like the placement of the bird in the center of the frame. I wish it were looking slightly more towards you.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Beautiful posture, sharpness and expsure. Personally I would remove the light spot in front of the bill and on the left of the bird.

[Juan Aragonés]

I like it a lot Krijn, maybe a litle bit of more head turn but the image is really nice. Exposure job is perfect and composition works for me. Th edark Bg and the light on the head works really fine. Very, very good job!

[Zoltan Gyori]

Awesome light and pose! Fantastic image!

[Jasper Doest]

You know headshots are not my favorite unless done right...and you did right here my friend. The dark bg and spotlight work well here. Nice to see you went vertical on this one!