African Sacred Ibis - Juvie

[Stu Bowie]

I popped over to the University this morning to see if I could come away with some Heron images from the Rookery. Walking around the dam, I came across this Ibis who was actually fast asleep on his legs when I approached him. I took a few shots of the ' headless ' Ibis, as his head was tucked into his wings. He then woke up but did not seem too concerned and he gave me plenty of opportunities to capture some portrait shots. The adults are pitch black on the head. Taken early morning. The BG is natural OOF grass as shot in camera.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F.2.8mm +2X TC = 600mm
1/1000
F/7.1
ISO 640

Manual Exposure
Hand Held

[Glenn Pure]

Beautiful work here Stu. Sharpness and DOF look great and you've done an excellent job on the tones and colours. This could work with a tighter crop too, I think, with some off the left and top of the frame. Thanks for sharing

[William Dickson]

Very nice Stu, and what fantastic detail you captured here. Beautiful pose and a lovely HA, presented well against the BG colours. I may take a wee bit from the LHS.

Nice

Will

[Michael Thompson]

Interesting, I thought it was a wood stork at first. great light and perfect exp. nice sharpness and detail. love that soft green background.

[Lorant Voros]

Nice portrait and interesting crop, super clean BG, nice light and perfect exposure with lots of details. I'd try the traditional 6x4 ratio as well with having more of the body included. What do you think? TFS.

[Juan Tolentino]

Great shot Stu. I like everything here, HA, details, background. I agree with the guys in removing a little bit from the LHS (I may try with a 5x4 ratio and see how it looks). Bird looks like is smiling and/or glad to see you. Thank you for sharing.

[dankearl]

What a nice portrait...
Has a gleam in the eye, nice pose..

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - This works really well for me but I like negative space. Beautiful light, details and sweet bg. DOF is spot on too. Well done.

TFS,
Rachel

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for all the positive feedback. Here is crop with your suggestions. I have taken off the left, top and RHS. You choose.

[Mike Poole]

Lovely light, details and pose from this Ibis, a really solid shot. Personally Id have preferred a little more below if you have it, but the RP is a step in the right direction for me

Mike

[Glenn Pure]

Yes, I think the repost is better.

[Arthur Morris]

No complaints from me. I love both versions for all the reasons mentioned above by the whole gang.

with love, artie and Irma

[Isaac Grant]

Really nice light, background and details. Love this. I am fine with either crop. A great and intimate look at this bird with a perfect head angle.