Breaking the Rules on-board the Hooptie II

There are rules for breaking the rules :)
Usually we like to have the subject looking into the picture rather than out of the picture. Exception #1 is when there is something of interest going on behind it, as it is the case here. I like the pieces of broken leaves from the take off and feel there is enough distance in front of the bird to sustain the composition. What do you all think?
Cropped a tiny bit from left and what's missing off the top.

Made in a fun trip with the Shadles :)

D3, 200-400/4 and 1.4X on Blake's tripod (thanks, Over)
f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO 500

Lovely image and I agree with you but I would leave a little more canvas in front of the bird.

Works for me !
The broken leaves add an extra sense of action/motion.
Nicely done !

I think a bit more off the top for more of a pano effect might work nicely as well.

Really, the broken leaves make this image for me. I love the foliage on the left and the great launch sensation, but the falling leaves add so much more! You're very welcome, Fabs! It's a Gitzo 1410 with a Mongoose M2.3 head :D Those 200-400VRs might be lighter than other lenses... but holding them can hurt after a while!! Can't wait to see more from your trip!

I like it too. Compositionally it's fine too to my eyes...the perch anchors the image nicely. Very neat!

I like the composition and moment captured and I also think that the broken leaves add a lot to the image.

You are right, this works perfectly. In addition to the above noted points, I like the cloud. Very complete.

Great captures Fabs! I like the leaves trailing the bird

Fabs, That is one sweet capture! Bob

Your unusual crop, and the leaves do it for me! Good one Fabs!

Everything works beautifully for me Fab. The balance in this image is perfect and I like the fact that it is not from the norm. Keep them coming !!!