Green heron in habitat

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11098072-lg.jpg

40D. 400 f5.6L wide-open. iso 640. 1/200s. hand held. exp. comp +1. fill flash( 420ex) at -1 2/3. Amlost full frame.

made this under very overcast conditions...so more than happy with the sharpness :-) I am trying to improve my HH technique these days. I dont like the blade below the bill. I have some other shots where that is not an issue but this was the only angle that gave me a little empty space behind the bird. Moreover, I liked how the cattails balanced the bird in the frame.

All C&C welcome.

[John Ippolito]

Kaustubh, I like the habitat, and your self critique on the blade below the bill. The image is sharp, and I like the colors, and and those chewed up sword like blades leaning in the direction of the bird.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the setting, soft light and eye contact. If you don't like the blade touching the bill, it should not be too difficult to remove it.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like how the heron is gripping the cattail with its toe...and check out all the caterpillars, way cool!! I like the habitat, and yes the piece of vegetation should be easy to shorten if it bothers you that it touches the chin :-)

[Stu Bowie]

Good enviromental image Kaustubh, shows the habitat nicely. You have the sharpness, although I would maybe selectively sharpen the head. Considering the overcast conditions, you have brought out the colours very well.