Pied Kingfisher, Kruger National Park

[Chris van Rooyen]

This image was created at a very popular bird hide in the Kruger National Park. What I like most about the shot is the contrast between the smooth colourful background and the black and white bird. I chose 800 ISO ensure adequate shutter speed to freeze the movement. All comments and suggestions will be welcomed and thanks for taking the time to look.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2007:08:03 15:21:04
Shutter speed: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 500mm
Focal length: 500mm

[Dan O'Leary]

Another amazing photograph, Chris. I imagine that these guys spook as easily and move as quickly in Africa as they do here.

Good decision to keep the grass at the bottom with the tall crop.

[Krijn Trimbos]

Looks great, wonderful background colors, active pose, good sharpness, good exposure and I love the droplets.I am not too sure about the weeds at the bottom as I don't think they contribute a lot to the environment in this particular shot. I also wonder what this would have looked like as a horizontal.

[David Hemmings]

This is fantatsic, the details and the bg are wonderful, superb image:D

[D. Robert Franz]

A wonderful capture. You froze the acton nicely and had some sweet light to work with. Though the image lends itself to the landscape format the vertical works quite well. The grasses on the bottom of the frame are so bright as to distract you but give the image an anchor. Well done...

[Tang, Chi Kwong]

very nice and wonderful...

[Dave Courtenay]

Beautiful-perfectly timed image-Full of detail and impact

[Glenn Bartley]

Anytime I see a kingfisher flight shot I am amazed. This one is no exception. Wonderfully captured :)

[Alfred Forns]

Big time capture I did not notice the weeds at bottom This image is good !!!!!

[Kirsten Frost]

You couldn't have done much better with this opportunity Chris. Really like the take-off position of the feet here - well done!

[Scott Linstead]

The higher iso was a great move IMO. The detail is just razor and it would be a travesty if there was motion blur in this. The rich BG is indeed a pleasant contrast against the B&W of the bird. Superb!

Scott

[joel quenneville]

I agree with Scott. You made the right choice in using a higher ISO. Great pose, great light, great background. I love the sharpness! Wonderful image.

[Tony Whitehead]

Perfect Chris - Stunning light, pose and BG - subject frozen but just enough blur in some of the water drops to convey action. Underwing patterns superb.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great flight shot,big congrats!!!