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A splash of color
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A splash of color

by Neal Cooper

Gallery: AvianPosted February 6, 2012219 views5 comments
I have recently started to figure out how to shoot these Malachite Kingfishers as they dive into the water. This guy is one a a few that visit Intaka Island near Cape Town. From the hide they come quite close onto perches. This guy has a spot or two in the reeds from which he launches the dive. So I manual focus on a spot on the water and hope to heck that it dives into the focal area. Many many shots later I have this one to share. I am still after the perfect shot which would be an entry shot on a clean BG.

Canon 1D MKIV
Canon 500mm f/4.0
1/2000
f/9.0
ISO 800

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 7, 2012 at 11:32 AM
No reactions on this shot ? I think it's great - and your way of working is the only sensible one IMO ! I like it lots ! :toast:
Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments
Comment posted by Neal Cooper on February 7, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Thank you Hans. I was wondering if this is one of those shots one takes and is so proud of, but then on investigation find that it not so good after all and you then re adjust your own view of what is good and solicits reaction. :smile:
Registered on June 3, 2009, 144 Posts, 306 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on February 7, 2012 at 2:45 PM
This shot is excellent Neal. Great technique for capturing the shot. Good luck with catching the shot you are hoping for. Great detail int he waterdrops. I like the bright colors. Nice job.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Deibert on February 8, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Great shot, Neal...excellent detail in a really candid moment. I will have to try out your technique myself...seems worth the effort. :toast:
Registered on September 30, 2011, 48 Posts, 125 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 8, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Very good timing to get the splash and nice detail on the kingfisher. I think your approach will pay off with a great image. I kind of wish the green plants where not in the scene like you mentioned but seeing all the water drops really also adds to the image, keep up the good work.
Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments