Belted Kingfisher taking off. Shot handheld with 1Dmk3 + 800mm f/5.6 IS lens, 1/3200s, f/5.6, ISO 640, EV -0.3.
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Belted Kingfisher taking off. Shot handheld with 1Dmk3 + 800mm f/5.6 IS lens, 1/3200s, f/5.6, ISO 640, EV -0.3.
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It's a nice take-off pose indeed. I do feel, however, that the image is rather tight all around. It is sharp and I love the water droplets. Wish for more separation of head and rear wing as they blend together a bit. The LRC branches, even the OOF ones anchor the perch well into the frame. Thanks for sharing Ed. :)
Pose looks great but the steep angle IMO is not ideal. Light could've been improved with some fill flash using BB. I agree with Akos on what he said.
Detail, colors, species and sharpness are very nice.
Congratulations!
Its not always easy to capture the take off, but you have succeeded very well to show the upturned wings. The angle is a bit steep, and I find these type of shots work best at eye level. This is sharp, and wish for more separation from head and wings.
Thanks, Ramon. I know the angle was steep, but I had no choice. It was hard following this elusive bird around as it was very skittish and kept flying away whenever it sensed my presence. I was just happy to get this shot, period :). I agree with everything you said. This is the last shot in a series of 3 taken in 10fps burst mode. Only the first shot had fill flash because the flash couldn't recycle fast enough, and the bird was stationary in the first shot.
Thanks, Stuart. Yes, I was extremely lucky to capture the take off. This was the first time I got a chance to photograph the elusive Kingfisher. I too wish the angle was closer to eye level. As far as separation from head and wings, I shot wide open at f/5.6 so that was the shallowest depth of field, but apparently not shallow enough to get more background separation. To make matters worse, the head and wings were of the same color.
Excellent timing and super detail, well captured. Angle mentioned but I'll take this any day :)
Chris Kotze