Saddle-billed Stork

[Chris van Rooyen]

I waited years for this photograph. It was taken on the banks of the Crocodile River in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. I watched the storks flying past many times, but the light was never good, and I needed a windless day for the reflection. Finally, a perfect day came along, with slightly overcast, soft light. I waited for about an hour when finally the perfect opportunity presented itself. Cleaned the background very slightly. Processed in LR and PS.

Camera Model: NIKON D5
Date/Time: 2017:04:23 08:47:31
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Manual
Exposure compensation: -2/3
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500.0 mm f/4.0 with 1.4 converter
Focal length: 700mm handheld

[greg cowle]

Well worth the years of planning, gorgeous bird captured in perfect conditions.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for viewing and the comments Greg!

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Chris, Good to see you again. This one easily makes my top ten all-time bird photographs. If you use the Ruler Tool to connect the bill tip to the reflection of the bill tip I think that this one needs a bit of CW rotation. All in all, way to go.

with love, artie

ps: don't stay away for so long this time.

[David Cowling]

Stunning image. The colours are beautiful. Well worth your long wait.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Hey Chris, Good to see you again. This one easily makes my top ten all-time bird photographs. If you use the Ruler Tool to connect the bill tip to the reflection of the bill tip I think that this one needs a bit of CW rotation. All in all, way to go.

with love, artie

ps: don't stay away for so long this time.

Thanks Artie, compliment and advice appreciated! Yup, been away for a long while but great to be back

[Bill Dix]

Glad to see you posting again. This one is stunning -- well worth your wait, and ours. Good planning and perseverance have paid off.

[arash_hazeghi]

Chris, good to see you back on BPN and a great image. I like the light and the gloss-like water. We have increased posting size on BPN, would love to see this image larger with details visible

TFS

[John Mack]

Your patience was rewarded. This is a really fine image. Love everything about this one.

[Isaac Grant]

What a beauty. Image design, reflection and the calm feeling are all top notch. I also would love to see this posted larger to see the details.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions guys. Herewith a re-post at a larger size as suggested. I also did a slight CW rotation as suggested by Artie

[Arthur Morris]

Tanfastic! with love, artie

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Chris, great to see you posting again. Its not often we see Saddle Bill's in flight, and even more a female, with her bright yellow eye. Overall, well exposed, sharp, and I like your larger version. Well captured.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks Stu, I appreciate the feedback.

Hi Chris, great to see you posting again. Its not often we see Saddle Bill's in flight, and even more a female, with her bright yellow eye. Overall, well exposed, sharp, and I like your larger version. Well captured.