Asian Paradise Flycatcher male

[RAM MALLYA]

It was quite difficult composing this fella with a long tail. Was lucky enough the full bird in this tight frame.

Shutter speed 1/100
Aperture F/4
ISO 1000
Lens 600MM L IS USM
Camera body 1D Mark II N
Tripod mounted
C&C welcome

[Stu Bowie]

Ram, you just sneaked in the tip of the tail. Rather that, than cutting some of it off. I like the raised crest, and would maybe move him over to the right a tad.

[Steve Garvie]

I think you did well Ram!

I have a similar image of a Rufous morph male taken in Sri Lanka and can fully appreciate the difficulties: a hyperactive wee bird with an extremely long tail which prefers to perch (all too briefly) in deep shade whilst it constantly rotates its head looking for flies; a nightmare!

I'm sure as Stuart can confirm the African species are just as bad! I would follow Stuart's suggestion and place the bird slightly more to the right. If the situation had allowed then fill-flash might have helped enhance the blue orbital ring & head iridescence but having chased small birds through forest tangles with a tripod-mounted flash I can appreciate that this is often a non-starter!

Once again congratulations on a nice image of this difficult bird!

[Don Lacy]

HI Ram. What a wonderful bird agree with the others on moving him to the right I would also selectively darken the BG to help the subject to stand out a bit more and lessen its distraction

[Arthur Morris]

Killer bird and sharp. You did need to point the camera left and up a bit. Bad luck on the severely cluttered BKGR....