Recent Big Bend trip. Multiple flycatchers at the Cottonwood campground. Bright sun, midday. Very cooperative subject, but did like busy perches. Finally got this shot on exposed branch. Was a little overexposed due to me not realizing bracketing was on and me not quite understanding how it works on the D300. Sun angle is a little bit off, but there was a mesquite tree where I wanted to be. Fill flash would have helped as well.
This is such a beautiful bird! I really like the BG, and simple perch. I like the the whole composition, except I might prefer it a little higher in the frame, with more canvas on the bottom and less on the top. Not quite sharp, but with these flitty birds, it's tough to get them to sit still. I don't know how you feel about adding things to photos, but you could easily put a small catch light in the eye in Photoshop to give it a little more life.
You are very lucky to be able to photograph this beautiful species! Nice for you to get it out in the open too.
I agree with Jean's excellent critique. Pointing your camera lower would have helped with the comp. Too bad about the branch's shadow on the bird's shoulder. Yes, fill flash would have helped with that, as well as the catchlight issue. Looks soft as posted...focus looks good so this seems like it is simply a sharpening/resizing issue.
Vermillion flycatcher in the sun
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