Lilac-breasted Roller

[Hendri Venter]

Captured in Kruger National Park

Canon 40D + 600mm L IS Lens
ISO 640
F7.2
1/2000 sec
Aperture Priority
+0.3 step

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the attentive pose, eye contact and perch and would selectively sharpen the head more and maybe add a bit canvas at the bottom.

[denise ippolito]

Beautiful details and pose. I like the BG and the perch and agree a bit more canvas at the bottom.

[Keith Bauer]

Nice capture on a perch that adds to the interest of the photo. One more vote for a touch more canvas on the bottom. Top notch image.

[Hendri Venter]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions Axel, Denise and Keith. I've add some space at the bottom and did some selective sharpening.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The repost looks very good!

[Daniel Cadieux]

The added canvas has done a world of difference to the comp. Excellent image, love the regal pose - the only thing I would do is eleminate the almost bare yellowish twig at right.

[Elmar Venter]

Well done Hendri, very nice. Lovely bird, perch, clean background. All comes together nicely.

[Stu Bowie]

Great repost mate. This looks like you had sweet light in this. Lovely natural colours, and good to see him in the open. Good job on the eye too.

[Brian Sartor]

What a beautiful subject! The colors and detail are fantastic, excellent perch, and perfect pose!

[David Fletcher]

Repost is fabulous Hendri! Good job on the head. Nicely done.

[Doug Brown]

The OP was quite good and the repost is an improvement. Another vote for removing the yellow twig on the right though.

[Hendri Venter]

Thanks guys. I value your comments and crits.

[Ian Mason]

As good a roller image a I've seen! The only thing I might do is to darken it a little, but that's personal taste. Superb!

[Lance Peters]

Repost rocks - IMHO
Gorgeous all round.
Well done!!!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I think the repost is really good Hendri. Overall nice work mate. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Gorgeous bird and stunning image. Repost really works better. Hard to beat Axel's eagle eyes ;)

Szimi

[Simon Bennett]

Excellent image - I like the pose, perch, crisp presentation. Colour rendering looks true too.

[Morkel Erasmus]

this is probably the best roller shot I've seen in a long time. gorgeous light and pin-pin-sharp! did you rent the 600mm?

[Hendri Venter]

Thanks Guys, I value your comments. Yes Morkel, I rented the 600mm.