Lilac Brested Roller

[Dave Barnes]

Captured in the Kruger in December.

Canon 1D3, Canon 500f4 + 1.4TC.
F8, 1/1250, ISO800.

All comments welcome.

[Stephen Earle]

Very striking photograph Dave. Unusual pose for a lbr and the catch a bonus. I love the clarity in the eye and the smooth bg.

[Harshad Barve]

I ditto Stephen here, BG is to die for
Harshad

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I would run a little NR on the BG.
Almost perfect HA. WOnderful BG and the prey is the super bonus! Thanks for sharing Dave.

[arash_hazeghi]

The color combinations of this photo are simply amazing, love the details as well.

[Stu Bowie]

The IQ in this is simply amazing Dave. As Stephen said, unusual pose, but Im sure he's making sure that he doesnt lose his catch. Colours look natural, this is pin, good light on the eye, and what a killer BG. Congrats on a fine image. Looks like Kruger was kind to you.

[Marc Mol]

Everything to like here about this image as others have touched on, with a lovely catch light as well.
I never tire of images of the LBR, well done Dave.

Cheers
Marc

[Kobus Tollig]

Sweet shot well done. Great comp exposure bg and comp well done

[Kiran Poonacha]

Wow.. superb colours on this one.. the worm is a sure bonus to this.. loved the species too,its a more colourful version of the Indian Roller.

[Morkel Erasmus]

all has been said Dave - this is a very sweet photo. great BG, colour and pose with catch. wish it was mine. BG noise looks fine to me

[Arthur Morris]

All the excellent plusses have been covered above. The only thing that bugs me is the perch which has several problems: size--too big for the bird, the left hand down-pointing y-portion, and the broken end that the bird was sitting on.

Going a tad darker with the middle tones might work.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Lovely colour, posture, sharpness, background and worm is a bonus. The perch is a bit heavy for my liking.

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments.
I have run NN on BG again.
I have gone a tad darker with the mid tones.
Cant change the perch though.:D

[Markus Jais]

the repost looks even better. great colors. I especially like the prey in the bird's bill. I agree with the others about the perch but I don't feel that's it is a huge problem. A stunning shot.

Markus

[Randy Stout]

Dave:

I find the perch interesting. Yes, I think it is too big scale wise, but the curve in the left side matches the birds back, nice repeating line.

Might I suggest you burn it in a bit and reduce the contrast? I did that as a trial, and I think it keeps the form but downplays it nicely.

Lovely bird.

Randy

[Glenda Simmons]

Great image! One of my favorite things about this site, is being able to see the beautiful birds from other parts of the world, that I would not otherwise have a chance to see; provided by excellant photographers. The bird images on this site are certainly better than the ones in my field guides. Great job, Dave!

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks Markus, Randy and Glenda for your comments and suggestions.

Randy I have reduced the contrast and exposure on perch, could be a bit too far though.

I have look at my post again and I do not like my quick edit so I have deleted it.
I will revise it as soon as I have time.

Sorry

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Dave,
Interesting points brought up already. I am OK with the perch......if it wasn't a set up (natural)......love the bug in the mouth too! Would go with Randy's perch tone down....final piece to a very nice image.

[Mark Dumbleton]

All been said, super image Dave! That worm is a big bonus!

[Gerrie van Vuuren]

Stunning image Dave! Like the unusual pose & natural colours. Ditto catch a bonus.

[Chris Kotze]

Excellent pose, colours and BG. Great snack

[Bruce Enns]

Excellent image Dave! Stunning bird with prey, exposure, sharpness and details, cleaned up background, perch issue has been mentioned, but doesn't concern me too much. Congrats!

Cheers!
Bruce

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks Roman, Mark, Gerrie, Chris and Bruce for looking and for comments.
Roman this was totaly natural in the middle of the Kruger Park taken from the vehicle, no set up.