African Black Oyster Catcher

[Ken Watkins]

Taken at De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa 24/04/2008

EOS 1D MkIII

500m IS hand held F6.3, 1/2000, ISO400

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Ken,

Very nice profile. I wish for more room all around and perhaps a little better head turn. You did well with the low angle and exposure.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Ken, I like the capture, but agree with Maxis on the head angle and being too tight in the frame. I would add more canvas to the left of the frame so your bird can continue walking down the beach...The eye looks a little soft to me...:eek::cool:

[Alfred Forns]

Agree with previous and can add check your light angle !!!! Would have made a difference lighting up the front !!! Gorgeous bird !!!!

[Ken Watkins]

I agree with all of the above, unfortunately lying on your belly (which in my case is quite large) on the sand is not conducive to getting a very good shot. The birds were moving a lot and the light was very harsh. Unfortunately they have now left to visit Namibia rest assured when they return I will be visiting again to try and get something a lot better. My major reason for posting is the rarity there are apparently only around 5,000 in the world.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Ken,

I didn't know they were only 5,000 of them.... :(

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow, quite scarce! I would still add canvas all around for a more pleasing presentation.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks for sharing this image, I didn't know either there were only so few left. Adding to the other comments, the image would be even better if the bird walked toward you.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Very nice image. Love the running pose.
I find it a bit tight. Especially for this movement some room needed on the left and the right.

Szimi

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Wonderful to see this species and especially since there are so few of them. Great detail in the blacks and I agree a little more canvas would strengthen this lovely image !!! Thanks for sharing.

[Ken Watkins]

Is this better?
I am new to manipulation.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Ken,

Superb!! :) Keep up the good work!