Bittern portrait

Hi Craig - wow..."a gorgeous bird" is right! I love the tones in this image and the bittern itself is arresting. I don't think there's much to suggest in terms of improvement re comp, etc., but I definitely was curious when I saw your techs! I'm wondering if the softness of the subject is caused not only by the large crop but also by slight degredation due to vibration at 1/20sec? I'm becoming famous in my family of photographers for trying to capture images of mammals at ridiculously low speeds, even over a second, but it's usually at the highest ISO I am comfortable using given the scene (i.e. at least 1600 and dependent mostly on the dynamic range I think it requires). That being said, the slight softness of details on the bittern doesn't look like vibration at all...goodness, you can see remarkable detail in the feathers(!), but just a lack of sharp edges.

Anyway, nice light, cool setting and awesome subject. Love the light in his eye in particular, just wish for a little more sharpness to give it even more wow-factor.

Craig,
Great up-close look at this Bittern, the feather detail and colors are outstanding. I agree with John in regards to it being a bit soft however and with a 600 mm lens and not using a remote trigger, a higher shutter speed may have helped.
Good eye seeing this guy in the reeds from the road . . .

Beautiful shot, I would like to get a shot of these birds one day.

Excellent, Craig. I like the angle on this one and the palette is really nice.

I really like the close up view and the colors. I do agree that it is a little soft but since these birds are so secretive and hard to find I would be happy to have this shot.

Yes, gorgeous bird is right, and you have wonderful, wonderful detail and light. I think this is very special.

I really like your composition, Craig. I find this species very photogenic with their colors and patterns. Not sure why you went with the techs you had, but the head appears a tad soft as a result.