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[Richard Flack]

An african hoopoe searching for titbits at Kololo Game Reserve, Vaalwater, South Africa.
I did not expose the whites as well as I would have liked to (as I had left the exposure on +0.3 with enough light to drop it down) but liked the low angle, narrow depth of field and rich BG.
As always, look forward to any comments.

Date taken: 11 August 2012
Photo details:
ISO 200
Shutter speed 1/1250
F stop 2.8
Exposure bias +0.3
Medium crop, sharpened for web, played with exposure on whites

[Randy Stout]

Richard:

I think your self analysis is spot on. The whites now look a bit grey to me, and are reading in the mid 220s, so might let them brighten back up just a bit.

The POV works well to give a sense of the birds view. It is the old trade off of losing the feet/legs, but I think it was the best choice, and I like the toe showing on the one foot..

Generally I would prefer a head angle a bit more parallel to the plane than this. This one does show the markings on the forehead well however.

Cheers

Randy

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Richard besides the whites who could be stronger , a very nice behavior frame. Love the POV and the very pleasing smooth BKG with good colors and tones .

I do not mind about the feet the low POV compensates that very well , as Randy said many times there is a trade off .

TFS Andreas

[gail bisson]

Have to agree 100% with Randy's evaluation.
Great bird.

[Richard Flack]

Thanks Gail, Randy and Andreas! Appreciate the comments.
Randy/Gail, I think this is the head angle you are wanting below. (I kinda still like the behaviour the first one captures as it shows his intent... but these things are always subjective). Thanks so much for taking the time.

[Richard Flack]

I cloned and smoothed the top BG for this one (as it had a white band, which just looked out of place)

[Tom van den Brandt]

I like the repost better. Perhaps a little NR on the BG. Further great details and fine colors.

Cheers, Tom

[David Salem]

I had a great time shooting these cool looking birds in Egypt a few years ago. I was calling them Faroh birds. I like the second frame best. Nice detail and techs in both of them. Well done