Purple Martin

[Jack Faller]

Canon 40D, 500mm f/4L + 1.4 TC, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 800, manual ex, hand held

Purple martin shortly after take off from house.

Composition ? Should I keep the house or not?

Is there a way to handle the shadow of the bird's head on the back wing?

Background seems noisier after image size reduction to 72 px/in (resample unchecked).

Suggestions welcome.

[Ian McHenry]

Hi Jack
I know how difficult it is to get BIF of swallows and martins leaving the nest so congratulations on a fine capture.
IMO it could be cropped just above the perching apparatus and a bit more room in front of the bird would be good.
Ian Mc

[Gus Cobos]

Very nice capture Jack,
Love the action on this one...:D

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Excellent capture Jack. Cropping the house might leave you too tight in the frame. Just my opinion.
Regards,

[Alfred Forns]

Agree with Oscar on the cropping jack !!!! You did real well getting that bird in flight with the 500 and converter !!!!!

It is possible dealing with the shadow on the wing but will be difficult Does not detract that much I like the diving pose a lot and exposure is just right Not sure what are you doing to save it but should not be picking up noise at that stage?

The best way to go after the martins is with a smaller lens The 400 5,6 is well suited to the task. Just move in closer to the house They normally don't mind. You also need a good favorable wind to be successful !!!!