Snowy Egret in flight

[Jeff Barton]

This was a close fly by with the 400mm. No real time to think. 7D with 400 mm5.6 av mode f8 ISO 400. Suggestions?

[Desmond Chan]

Personally, this one doesn't work for me. Sorry! ;)

Now that we've got my biased opinion out of the way...there seems to be some blown highlights there. Any chance that you could recover anything from them?

Head angle looks a bit off. Details look good where the exposure looks right. Good catch given the situation.

[Lance Peters]

hI Jeff - Whites are over in a number of places - make use of your histogram and turn your over exposure blinkies on in the camera.
Realise this was a grab shot - so no time to make adjustments!!
Composition doesnt quite work for me either.
Like the detail in some areas.
TFS

[Peter Farrell]

Hi, Jeff,
I agree with the above comments and also the dark BG area just touching the birds beak needs to go.
Peter

[Dave Mills]

Hi Jeff, agree with above comments. A number of things working against you. Time of day(harsh light),direction of subject,composition(areas cut) and backround with an unappealing shadow near the birds beak.
I realize this was done quickly with very little thought.
You did nail the focus on the eye which wasn't easy under the circumstances...

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Jeff ... agree with comments and one suggestion I have is get a zoom !!! I loved my 400 5.6 since it focuses faster than just about any other but found getting caought like you did here, sometimes is not best to go with the best performing on paper !!! I make good use of my 100-400 IS and 70-200 4.0 IS with a converter (1.4X)

.. also remember getting on sun angle for avoiding most shadows !!!

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Considering that this was a grab shot, your image is sharp and yes some of the whites are a little over, but you were able to capture it.
Congrats

[Jeff Barton]

Thanks all, Very good points. Long weekend coming and hopefully good photo weather to keep learning.