Sacred Ibis

[Dave Barnes]

Thought I would post something a bit different.
This back lit Ibis was made in Febuary with the sun shining through late afternoon thunder clouds providing interesting BG colour. I used Spot metering to get some detail on the lighter feathers.
All comments welcome.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Metering Mode Spot Metering
Exposure Compensation +2/3
ISO Speed 400
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1000

[Erich Stevens]

Wow this is really different and I think it looks fantastic. Great detail in the wings and a very interesting BG. I have no problem w/the head in silhouette but would've preferred a higher or lower wing position to separate wings and head. Excellent work!

[Deborah Harrison]

I love the pastel effect and the way the light catches on the legs. I would prefer to see the eye - I think it would contribute to an already powerful image.

[Connie Mier]

Dave, I like the effect, very beautiful light on the wings. I would like to see a more open wing span, clearing the head.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dave, I like the backlight effect through the wings, together with the umbrella wing position. This is almost a two tone effect, and the silhouetted head doesnt bother me. Well captured

[David Fletcher]

Very attractive and appealing image Dave. Don't mind the wing position at all and the rim lighting on the legs is useful in preventing them from being lost. Nice one!

[Ramon M. Casares]

I agree 100% with Erich here. I like it and I wonder if a tad less room on top would improve even more comp.
Congratulations. Nice image!

[Mark Dumbleton]

Like the Dave! Lovely use of different lighting. Works well, silhouetted head does not bother me. Agree on a higher wing position being more attractive.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Loved the effect here...the wing position and the light through them makes it.. One more vote for the crop.

[Chris Kotze]

Well captured image Dave. The back light colours on the wings looks great.

[Juan Aragonés]

Too bad that the head has no details but with such a nice rim light... who cares! :-)
I love the transparency of the light in the wings against that dark BG. Composition works very fine IMO. I love it!

[Daniel Belasco]

What else can I say. I agree with whats been said. The detail on the head and lack of a hint ofan eye ruins it for me.

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments.
As folk at home know my second name is "against the rule". There are no rules only guidlines.
This bird has a black neck, head, bill and eye and it is difficult to show detail in anything other than ideal light, so there is no way that any eye detail will show with this type of backlight. I dont think that should stop one from capturing this sort of image?
Flash could have been used but you will loose the effect I think?
I take note of the suggestions on comp.

[Ryan Lambert]

Super image captured here Dave the silhouette of the head works for me, maybe just try and up the saturation a bit to give a bt more warmth from the setting sun...

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks Ryan.