Belted Kingfisher

[Raul Quinones]

My first (acceptable) kingfisher shot, almost full frame. I think this is a young bird. I have time to take several shots, even time to change position and getting the 1.4 TC out of the bag. I know the light is not perfect, but I'll take this shot, this is been a tough species to capture (at least for me).

1/320, f7.1, ISO 500, 700mm, Fill Flash

C/C welcome & appreciated,
Raul

(few small branches removed on the bottom of the frame)

[Randy Stout]

Raul:

I have never been able to get close enough to one of these guys to get a decent image, so a big congrats on this capture. You hit the light issue already. Nice head turn. Perch is a nice scale for for him. It looks like it could stand just a bit more USM, but I would be a little concerned about that jacking the contrast up too much.

Colorful background!

Thanks, and again, good work to get so close to this guy.

Randy

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great head angle, details and BG. I might raise the color temperature a bit and tone down the highlights on the back.

[david cramer]

I'm glad you got one. They can be elusive. I agree with you about the light, and warming up the color might help. I'd also suggest burning the bkgd some. Great detail.

[Raul Quinones]

Changes as per recommendations. darkened bkgnd (have some help.. thank JE) & increased a bit the temperature.