Green Heron with Green Sunfish

[Danny J Brown]

Taken on a little stream that runs through Forest Park in St. Louis. We consider it our "Central Park." The little guy sure had a mouthful but I have a series of it choking the sunfish down. Lots of clutter in the background but animals seem to be attracted to cluttery backgrounds. In retrospect, I would have stopped down a little more. Head angle also is off 4 - 7 degrees:) I really do enjoy all comments and suggestions - my callouses are developing nicely:):).

Canon 40D; Canon 300 F4L; 1/1000; F/5.0; ISO200; Manfrotto 055XB w/488RC2; late Morning w/sun becoming an issue.

[Dave Blinder]

Great timing Danny. Looks like there's a sharpening halo on top of the bird, I'd try a highlights adjustment here.

[Dan Brown]

Hey Danny, nice capture, for you and him! These guys can be hard to get close to! I agree with your self critique. The lighting seems harsh probably due to the time of day? Keep um comin!:)

[George Hagi]

The beautiful detail and exposure on the bird overrides the so - so bokeh .
Maybe you have to fix the color of the green leaves they look unnatural .

[Danny J Brown]

George - help me to see what you changed. I can't see it on my 24" HP Monitor! By the way, I appreciate your nice comments.

[Marina Scarr]

You have some great action/behavior here. It's too bad that the BG is busy b/c it detracts some from the amazing subject. I think you did well exposing for the bird and you have a nice angle. Great catch!

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks Marina. I imagine that green herons are like sparrows down your way.

[Harshad Barve]

Danny
I liked this image very much , HA and busy BG do not bother me at all here
BG showing habitat and fish in beak in big bonus
TFS

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks Harshad and everybody else.

[Stu Bowie]

Danny, good looking green heron, and thats a fair meal he's caught. The BG doesnt bother me, but the heron is angled slightly away from you.

[Kiran Poonacha]

I like the environ included here Danny, just would try and clone or burn out the brown patch above the shoulder. nice colours, details and angle here, the fish puts this over the top, congrats..

[david cramer]

Nice catch (both of you). The BG is a natural setting, although distracting. You might darken it a bit, or add a vignette around the edges to keep the eye on the bird. Another technique is to desaturate the BG more.

[James Salywoda]

Sweet shot Danny I love the look on both subjects very nicely done. Excellent Shot!