Marbled Gotwit - Take off

[Jay Ing]

Got a few in sequence on this fella. Wish I'd stopped down a stop but overall pleased with this one.
Nikon D850+Sigma 500/4 + 1.4 TC, 1/3200, 6.3, ISO 320, HH, C1P raw, AF clone work, PS CCC 2018 NR SS on output. Sadly, fairly decent crop - 850 pixels help.

[Randy Stout]

Jay:

Great full down wing pose, good angle in the frame towards us, allowing us to see both wings well. Trailing feet. Well exposed .

Good composition.

To my eye, the head is just a bit soft, might consider some localized sharpening there.

DOF is always a two edged sword. Yes, you want all the subject in focus (generally), but then the background can become more distracting.

I might soften the darkest areas at the top of the frame just a bit.

Cheers

Randy

[Daniel Cadieux]

Good reflexes to get this fella taking off. Sometimes they give clues about wanting to take flight, but you still need to be well prepared, so kudos! I agree with Randy's critique and suggestions.

[John Mack]

Perfect pose and great timing here. Head looks a tad soft.

[Mike Poole]

Nice work Jay, not an easy shot to get, especially with the nice wings down pose. Sharpness looks Ok to me, maybe try another with a touch more added and see what you think

Mike