Stork-billed Kingfisher
Took this image couple months back in the local park during sunset time. The kingfisher just made a dive but it missed the target.
5D3, 400mm f5.6L, iso 2500, f5.6, 1/2000s, HH.
Cropped to 5mp for composition, NR on bg, resize and sharpen for web.
C & C appreciated.
Hi Eddy, these are like speeding bullets, so big congrats on getting what you did.
To me, the image does have the feel/appearance of a flash going off, but the data said no flash? Just looking at the detail/clarity, is this a big crop or just resized from FF? I personally feel you need a greater SS to really capture these little fellows, quite a few people use trigger remotes, IR and many flashes to freeze the guys either diving, surfacing or flying like this, but then it really does become expensive and a lot of hard work. If you can get better light and can raise the SS to around 1/3200+ you should start to get better IQ and start to nail the subject, but it's not an easy one, good luck.
If you want to photograph these guys look at some of Jeroen Stel's images.
TFS
Steve
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Hi Eddy,
I had the exact same thought as Steve ie. was this image flashed?
I think you could reduce the flash look by cloning out the specular highlights on the bill and the second highlight in the eye.
It is a terrific capture of a speeding bullet.
I haven't even come close to getting one this sharp of a post dive.
You have a good BG and very nice wing position. The water droplets add to the image. The little feet are sweet as well.
The IQ has suffered a bit from the large crop but still very nice,
Gail
Thanks Steve and Gail for the feedback. Noted on faster shutter speed, will try again with SS 1/3200s or faster to get sharper image next time.
I think i might have gone too far on brightening up the eye so it looks like flashed image as i did not use flash on this shot.
Here is the FF original without adjustment converted from DPP.
Hi Eddy, I think this has more character going for it with all the environment in view, than the close up.
If it was me Eddy and you have the time and want to get more images then just watch this little fellow, make notes, it's favourite perch, it's habits etc and build a little file on him, then use a blind and try to get closer, but take your time, don't rush things. In getting closer you will retain IQ so you will not have to crop so much and throw away all that valuable data. I guess the 400 is your longest lens which does mean you need to be closer, or you go for more 'habitat/environmental' images like this.
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Hi eddy, think Steve and Gail have covered this well for you ,congrats on getting the shot they sure are fast.
This from Steve is good.
If it was me Eddy and you have the time and want to get more images then just watch this little fellow, make notes, it's favourite perch, it's habits etc and build a little file on him, then use a blind and try to get closer, but take your time, don't rush things. In getting closer you will retain IQ so you will not have to crop so much and throw away all that valuable data.
Keith.
Keith.
Hi Steve,
Thanks again for the valuable suggestions. I will try wider view on this image and see if i can get more interesting crop.
Yes, currently my longest lens is 400mm. I love photographing kingfisher, definitely will put more efforts to get better images of this bird. Some good ideas from you to begin with.
Eddy, I would seek advice with more of the 'skilled' Avian bods, they have far better experience & knowledge than I do. My thought was if you can't get closer then look at other options like the inclusion of habitat etc. If budget allows and you have good weather & time, you could perhaps hire a lens like the 800 for the day or weekend?
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Eddy, take a look at Artie Morris' s blog post of today. He features the photography of a man who uses a 4005.6. The images are wonderful....great environmental feel. I was inspired to see things a bit looser and give careful attention to habitat in some of my shooting. I think you have potential in this image with a looser crop as has been suggested above. Would love to see what you do with it, if you care to rework and repost.
Excellent wing position, sharp head and body. Also I like the nice colorful background. Choice of crop was well done.
Great feedback from Steve and Gail. I also found the uncropped one to have more appeal.
I like the wing position, colors and sharpness. And i know how fast the kingfisher is. Great shot.
And i think the feedback from Steve and Gail make the image better.
Hi Grace, i visited Artie's blog and those are superb images of David Hardcastle made by 400 5.6L, it gave me more motivation to get better images. My favorite is the GBH with its environment feel.Originally Posted by Grace Scalzo
Here is the rework with wider crop, I clone out the specular highlights on the bill and second highlight in the eye as suggested by Gail.
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