Dwarf Bittern Portrait

[Richard Flack]

I seem to be going through a bit of a purple patch, as this is another bird I have been trying to get a decent photograph of for over 5 years. They only arrive in South Africa when the conditions are right i.e. flooded grasslands in key areas, and today was my lucky day. Right conditions, right place and right time. Nice one!

I have more space to play with... should I use it or do you like the close look and feel?

Look forward to your comments!

Location: Kgomo Kgomo floodplain, North West Province
Date taken: 17 January 2014

Photo details:
ISO 640
Shutter speed 1/6400
F stop 6.3
Exposure bias 0
Medium crop, sharpened for web, curve and vibrancy

[keith mitchell]

Richard looks good the way it is,personally the sky b/g is nice but not sure that a lot more of it would be of benefit to the image.
,your showing some very nice detail.
Cheers Keith.

[Lyle Gruby]

IQ is very nice, I like the perch, and I like the comp. My only critique is that the light looks pretty harsh and there could be a more interesting BG. Congrats on getting this rare bird!

[Raybel Robles]

I vote for a bit more room on the bottom and left side. Nice image of a bird I had not seen before.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Rich, love this 'elongated' pose, good detail and colours, and we have a great view of the feet. Comp wise, I would just add a touch to the bottom.