Theme: Male Saddle-billed Stork portrait.

[Ian Wilson]

Captured in Serengeti NP, Tanzania, 10 April 2015. The image was captured in portrait format and cropped full-frame width to landscape. It is a little tight in the frame but rather than make canvas extensions, and in the spirit of the theme, I have left it 'in your face'. I hope you are not offended.

Canon 5DIII + 600 mm f/4 II + 1.4x III extender, hand-held from a vehicle.
Manual, spot metering, spot AF, AI Servo, f/9, 1/400 sec, ISO 640.
Processed with DPP4 and PS Elements.

Thanks for looking, critical feedback welcome and appreciated.
Kind regards, Ian.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

If only you had more "pretty" light.
A very beautiful close-up as taken Ian.
THere's great detail and the colours are
just fantastic.
TFS

[keith mitchell]

Beautiful colour and great detail ,there is enough of this in just that great bill to hold the viewers interest, excellent work Ian.

[gail bisson]

WOW and DOUBLE WOW!
I think I know the winner of the theme contest!
Love the detail and colors. The bill is so clean.
I have been to Africa 5 times and have never been able to get close to these birds. Most of my shots are butt shots as they fly away!
A real beauty Ian and nothing I can think of to improve this terrific portrait,
Gail

[Randy Stout]

Ian:

yes tight, but if you are going for a big bill, I say go all the way!

Great colors, catchlight, cute wattles.

Cheers

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Ian, superb detail and very lucky to have the opportunity to get so close, they are often are wading in the water. Colours look cool against the vibrant backdrop, you feel as if this was an image painted by numbers, if you know those kits? You have inspired me to lookout during one of next years trips.

TFS
Steve

[Lorant Voros]

Beautiful portrait. Perfect in all aspects. A real treat for the eyes. Congratulations.

[Bill Dix]

I think the Theme was created just for him. Super shot, with good comp and spectacular colors, great detail especially in the blacks. Congrats. Oh, and nice Serengeti reflection in the eye.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image, Ian. Beautifully colored bird that your image shows at it's best. I like the tight framing with portraits. Thank you for sharing.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Beautiful looking bird, Ian and you've captured him in wonderful soft light. Another vote for theme 1st. place.




Geoffrey

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Fantastic shot & detail - it feels like I can touch it! Well done on this one!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Fantastic portrait. Yes, cropped tight but in a tasteful and balanced way. Very nice details and the colours look great. I love the two little "wattles".

[Ágúst Svavar]

What a beautiful bird and nice detailed portrait. I like the tight crop for this big beak. Really enjoy watching this photo, great work!

[John Robinson]

All been said Ian
Cheers
John

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ian, one of my favourite Storks. What a great close up with a perfect angled pose. You have nailed the exposure and sharpness, together on getting the colours spot on. Great view of the wattles.

This is a male. The female is even more attractive, has she has yellow eyes.

[dankearl]

You win....

[BenBotha]

All boxes are ticked! Nothing to add. TFS

Ben

[David Salem]

What an awesome bird with fantastic colors
You did well capturing it. Very nice!!

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your positive feedback on this image. These are wonderful birds and I am glad you think he is showing well. Warm regards, Ian.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Exquisite details, terrific light and comp. Beautiful work!