Malachite Kingfisher

[Stu Bowie]

My good mate Gerrie, who lives just outside the Pilanesberg game reserve, gave me a few shots with his 600mm lens. With these small fellows, one really needs it plus the extra reach with a 1.4TC too. Taken last year from the mankwe hide in the Pilanesberg game reserve. The BG is water.

Canon 50D
600mm +1.4TC @ 840mm
1/1000
F/5.6
ISO 200

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand Held ( supported on top of a wooden fence )

[Doug Brown]

Nice sharpness and I like the simple composition. Wish the shadow of the perch didn't cut across the bill. Would also move the base of the perch in the frame so that it doesn't come directly out of the corner.

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely and sharp Stuart and BG works well. The shadow on the bill is a nuisance and would be worth doing a bit of work on (clone stamp in lighten mode would be my starting point). I like the simplicity of the reed perch but agree with Doug's suggestion regarding the corner.

[Stu Bowie]

Doug, Tony, thanks a stack for your feedback and suggestions. Here is my repost.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the sharpness, look-back pose and the repost is a big improvement.

[Manjesh Lingamurthy]

Hi Stuart

Repost looks great. I think you still have more empty space on the left which fights for attention with the bird. Crop the left space more and see the difference it makes.

Manjesh

[Dave Barnes]

Repost is a lot better Stu. So when are you getting a 600?
Good colour and detail. like the comp.

[Steve Canuel]

Hi Stuart,
Great looking bird (love the electric colors in the plumage) and a nice simple composition. Neat to see the grip he has on the perch. Good job on the repost.

[Betsie Storm]

Nice capture, Stu; like the repost best & agree with losing some empty space on the LHS. These little guys are such a pleasure to see. Ditto "when are you getting a 600?":)

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack guys and girls.

Dave, Betsie, I wish for a 600mm, and at this stage, its still a wish.

[Tony Whitehead]

Good job on the repost, Stuart - shadow well dealt with.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack Tony.

[Callie de Wet]

Hi Stu
Well done, post two, but I agree on loosing more space still on the left. Real sharp, but not overdone to my "unsharp eye" A 600 yes, Deep sigh! Does not help that my wife said I can get one, I need the RRRR'S!:eek:

[Vida van der Walt]

Beautiful image Stu. The repost is even better. Space not a problem for me and me eye is instantly drawn to the right place. Lovely colours and pin sharp as well.:)

[Stu Bowie]

Callie, Vida, thanks a stack for your great feedback.