Skirmishing bee-eaters

[Chris van Rooyen]

I created this image on the Zambezi River in Namibia. The birds were milling around in the air at their breeding colony, and squabbles broke out every now and then between neighbours. I used a wide aperture and high ISO to freeze the action. The fact that I was shooting with a 70 - 200mm lens helped to give the necessary depth of field (despite the wide aperture) to get both birds sharp. What I like about the image is the lines formed by the wings and tails of the birds, almost like broad, single brush strokes on a clean canvas (anyway that's what it looks like to me:)). I lightened the area around the eye of the bottom bird slightly to give more detail. Thanks for looking, all comments always welcome.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2007:10:13 17:47:12
Shutter speed: 1/6400 sec
Aperture: 3.5
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 1000
Focal length: 200mm

[David Steele]

A superb image and a very good behaviour study.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Looks great for ISO 1000. I like the behavior and composition, but I'm not so sure about the frame.

[Tony Whitehead]

This is really nice. I agree with you regarding the lines of wings and tail - the whole image looks almost surreal.

[Stephen Stephen]

Well capture Chris. I like how the wings of the upper bird and the tail of the lower one point to three of the four corners of the frame.

[Alfred Forns]

Excellent capture Chris !!!! You did well with the tech info and processing Not a fan of frames but is more personal taste Congrats !!!!

[Dean Ingwersen]

Another cracker from you Chris..fantastic!

[Gary Dumer]

One of your Classics Chris!!! Great job done here!!!!!

[Linda Robbins]

Stunning capture, Chris! I love everything about it except that it isn't mine!

[Del Cockroft]

A great action shot. They are stunning birds and you've captured them brilliantly.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments guys, always appreciated and noted

[Dan O'Leary]

There are many really great photographers posting here already, Chris, but few whose images I look forward to as much as yours. The consistency is amazing. This image is no exception. I'm not sure if I have a stronger impulse to put all my gear on ebay or go use it when I look at your stuff.