Purple Roller

[Ken Watkins]

Taken in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, 21st June 2009

EOS 1D MkIII

500mm F4 IS hand-held

F7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400

[Brian Zwiebel]

I'd love to see the wings fully extended here and a little lower light angle. Not sure on the square presentation, usually not a fan but I don't have a better option for you. It does look pretty sharp for this kind of shot and I like the blue sky.

Good Shooting!

BZ

[Alfred Forns]

Excellent suggestions by Brian and fully agree Could add getting on sun angle would also help you lighting the bird, light seems to be from the UR !!! Good capture !!!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Toning down the bright parts of the upper wing, flank, and tail would help minimize the strong harsh light. Great timing on your part, and the two branches add some nice interest. I also like the hint of purples.

[Dave Barnes]

Hi Ken, this is well captured. Ditto the above suggestions.
Have you tried a portrait crop?
Something like this with a bit of canvas added above? (I hope you dont mind)

[Ken Watkins]

Dave,

Not at all that is quite an improvement.

I am just happy to get a resonable shot of a purple roller, for this shot I was unfortunately sat next to the guide a lot lower down than normal.