Bee-Eater Bokeh

[Morkel Erasmus]

Not sure if I posted this one before...
Sorry for my slight absence from the avian forum - since becoming Wildlife mod I find I need to spend a little more time on that forum, eh? ;)

Merry Christmas to all of you - enjoy the time with family and loved ones (remember, loved ones aren't always "liked" ones :p)

This Whitefronted Bee-Eater was photographed last year in the Kruger Park. I used the sub-optimal lighting to create a dreamy effect.

Techs:
Nikon D300s with 200-400mm VR @ 310mm
f5.6 @ 1/1600 SS @ ISO-400

[Aidan Briggs]

Great job in tough conditions Morkel!! I love the rim light and the blurred leaves. I might remove the highlight in the center of the BG.

Well done and Merry Christmas!!

[Randy Stout]

Morkel:

You are always welcome to visit the avian forum!

Nice job dealing with difficult lighting circumstances. Good placement of bird against the darker background, it wouldn't have worked against the brighter areas.

Agree with Aidan about the bright, slightly yellow highlights, would try to tone them down.

I might consider some subtle work on the catchlight. There is just enough there, that I think you could bring it up a bit and add a little more interest to the birds head.

Cheers

Randy

[Nate Chappell]

Nice silhouette, Merry Christmas Morkel!

[Arthur Morris]

I like it but for the two bright dead center highlights.