This image of a displaying male magnificent frigatebird was taken on North Seymor Island last July during Artie's Galapagos trip. (magnificent frigatebirds have a purple sheen on the back feathers whereas great frigatebirds, which also nest on this island, have a green sheen). The light was fading fast as the sun neared the horizon. I was on one side of a clump of bushes containing this bird's nest and Artie was on the other side. We were both waiting for a head turn by this bird that stubbornly looked straight ahead. (You have to stay on marked trails in the Galapagos so our vantage points were limited.) Finally, the bird turned my way long enough for 2 frames. As I recall, the bird never did give Artie a look. :( 20D, 300 f/4, 1/100, f/5.6, ISO 800. Comments are welcome.
Simply an awesome image Steve. These birds have never been close enough for me even to attempt to capture them. Sure wish this were mine as I find this species fascinating. Excellent exposure and I love your choice of crop . Wonderful image Steve . Congrats !!!!
Wonderful image. The eye contact is super and the sharpness great. I do wish that the front of the breast had a bit less highlight to it to show a bit more saturation. The colors at the bottom right of the breast are good. If this were extended up the vertical right side it would be an even better image IMHO.
I love these birds and the picture just makes them justice, Bg, light, exposure, sharpness, all looks very good to me! I also enjoyed the story very much! Thnaks for sharing!
Wow, this is quite nice! As much as I like the purple sheen on the back I enjoy even more the purples and blues in the amazing feather detail you managed to pull off on the wing :-)
I too enjoyed the colors and the gullet the most. This must have been some trip. I think the comp to show off the display here is just about right. Looks as if you had some rough light to work with.
Very cool, I'd love to see this species sometime. Great exposure control and details. I would be tempted to clone out the branch covering part of the pouch and the vertical one in front of the wing.