Purple Martin Season

[dankearl]

They nest in our area but are not year round residents so they are alway fun to shoot for a few weeks..
You need great light, I had so -so this morning,,,,
D500, 700mm (500pf w 1.4), f8, 1/4000, iso3600
1/5000 Shutter speed is basically required but I did not have the light today.
They are very fast...
Male Martinbpn.jpg

[Paul Burdett]

Good self critique Dan. You did well do capture this fast bird. Not an ideal HA and it does seem a tad soft to me...especially the head/neck area. Not a fan of the crop and I'd remove the blue patch on the left. Just wondering if you used too much NR at that iso?

[Kurt Bowman]

I agree with Paul's critique. Nice job getting him in the frame, they are fast and unpredictable like a swallow, but it is a bit soft. Hope you get better light next time.

[John Mack]

I can see the allure of photographing these birds. I like the screaming call.

[Arthur Morris]

Good try but not sharply focused. The bird is looking away, and the light is harsh and contrasty.

with love, artie