Giant Kingfisher - Pilanesberg

[Tony Whitehead]

This male Giant Kingfisher paid a visit while at the Mankwe hide. Light was diffused by high cloud leaving a grey BG - overexposed to push it to white. I like high key images so am happy with the result.
Nikon D700
Nikon 500 VRII + 1.4x
ISO 1600 1/1250s f8 matrix +1.67EC
cloned out tip of the branch on the right nearest the GK as was extending above his beak
Comments and advice appreciated as always

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the composition, perch, eye contact and sharpness and would tone down the highlights, especially on the neck.

[denise ippolito]

Tony, Beautiful composition w/ the high key look. I like the interesting perch and the exposure looks great to me.

[Arthur Morris]

Tony, Why are you posting a painting in this Forum??? ;) Pure killer.

[Malcolm Benn]

not much left to say other than WOW.

[DanWalters]

Very dramatic image! Love the white background and I like the way the bird is positioned high in the frame.

[Oscar Vazquez-Ortiz]

High WOW factor! I wonder if the second branch could be reduced to prevent it from interfering
with the subject?

Oscar

[Adams Serra]

Hi Tony,
I am a big fan of high key images, you have a beautifull one here.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Hello Tony.
This is may be not my type of picture but I'm sure this one caught my attention when I saw the thumbnail. Lovely species and great compo. I would also suggest to tone down the perch a bit.

[Gerrie van Vuuren]

Great pose & perch! You pulled this one off well despite the conditions. Well done!:)

[Tony Whitehead]

Great pose & perch! You pulled this one off well despite the conditions. Well done!:)

Thanks Gerrie. Fond memories of the day. You're online early in the morning!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Tony, I remember you saying that you would create a few high key images - this has turned out very well. Comp works well, and the GK is nice and sharp. Cant beat those mankwe perches.

[Tobias Hayashi]

Excellent composition and difficult-looking lighting conditions handled very well indeed.

[Arthur Morris]

High WOW factor! I wonder if the second branch could be reduced to prevent it from interfering with the subject? Oscar

For me, the second branch is perfectly sized and placed and in no way interferes with the subject. And, there are no hot spots at all on the perch.... :)

[Troy Lim]

Another great shot, Tony.
Love it.

[Greg Basco]

Tony, I think this is fantastic as presented; a really striking image with a beautiful composition.

Congrats!
Greg Basco

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful Done Tony Bhai.. loved the high key, nice perch and loved the pose too...

[James Fuller]

Stunning!

[Charles Glatzer]

Tony,

Love the high-key effect, comp, etc. Wonderful image as presented.

Chas

[Tony Whitehead]

Tony, Why are you posting a painting in this Forum???

I was quite excited to get this image as the "painting" appearance was what I was after at capture and the camera preview showed it well.:D If I was any good with paint I would probably try a gouache version based on this.
Thanks for all the comments everyone.