Pied Avocet

[Chris van Rooyen]

I captured this image one morning at first light near my home in Johannesburg. I suspect that some folks will not like the reed stumps next to the bird, but it kind of balances the composition fro me. Comments welcome as always.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2007:09:01 06:48:00
Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 500mm

[David Steele]

Chris, I guess you might be right about the reed stumps - time will tell - and the cut-off reflections could be another subject for discussion but the rest of the image is striking. Great background, great whites and amazing detail. And, yes the composition is excellent.

[Juan Aragonés]

Terrific avocet. I like a lot the reed stumps at the right of the frame but I think that they would look much better if they were located in the same focal plane of the bird. Not sure, but I think that I like it. Would be great if you have another image with the stumps in focus and then you could create a composed image with both, the avocet and the stump, in focus. I cases like this, I always try to get two images to create a composed image in PS. The light and the eye contact are terrific. congratulations for another fine image Chris

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments guys, I expected to get mixed responses on this one:-). Good idea Juan will bear that in mind next time.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the angle, composition and light. There are some noisy areas that are a bit distracting.

[Fabs Forns]

You not only get good flight, you can compose too :)

I like this a lot, and Juan suggestion is good, I try that a lot.

[Linda Robbins]

For me, the stumps are in a good position to balance the composition, but because they are so oof, I think they detract from the beautifully lit sharp bird.
I think the reflection is fine, and the bird's pose is ideal.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Great shot! I like Juan's suggestion, but overall I love this shot! Congratulations!