Peek-a-boo

[Mark Itol]

Hello everyone! My first photo posting on this board.

An adult Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) emerges from its hole to gather more food for its young. Taken April last year in Quezon City, Philippines.

Took me some time to decide on the framing and settled for this. Thanks for looking. C&C welcome and appreciated.


40D, 400 f/5.6, ISO 320, f/7.1, 1/100 sec, manual exposure, tripod/gimbal

[Daniel Cadieux]

Welcome to BPN Mark!

A wonderful subject you present us...I'm sure you have lots of colourful species to share from the Philippines! Nice details as posted, and I like the angle of the tree. A bit bright in areas, and the harsh light made for tough conditions...exposing a bit less, and getting some fill flash would have helped you. As is you could always tone down the brighter spots (burn tool perhaps). The comp you chose is alright, but I would have preferred more room at right and a bit less tree at left.

Looks like sunny conditions you had, was the SS indicated a typo?


Hoping to see more from you!!


P.S. We like to use complete real user names here, so you can send a private message (PM) to Roman Kurywczak and he will gladly change it for you

[Mark Itol]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions, Daniel. Much appreciated.

The SS is indeed 1/100 sec.

I've sent a PM already. I did send a request before to other mods but it seems they were busy. :)

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Mark, welcome aboard. I like the strong comp. and the bokeh. Unfortunately the bird turned his/her head upwards. I grew up in part of India where this bird was common. Not an easy one to capture good head position. very well done. Yes to toning down the highlights a bit.

I'd have increased the ISO. There aren't a lot shaded parts here to worry a lot about noise.

[Robert Amoruso]

Mark, try a reverse s-curve to reduce the harsh look of the light.

[Mark Itol]

Thanks for the feedback, Kaustubh and Robert.

I'd have increased the ISO. There aren't a lot shaded parts here to worry a lot about noise.

I actually had to run some NR on the BG to remove some noise.


Here's a repost.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

I liked the repost more.