Taken early in the morning (6.42am) in Botswana, even has a cobweb bottom left for all eagle eyed. I know the 'HA' might not be right, but any head turn to the right and the light would not have highlighted the head so well.
Steve
MKII 500f/4 1/320 f/4 ISO320 (HH, slight crop)
Posted by Andy Astbury on August 3, 2010 at 4:22 AM
Looks good enough to eat Stevo.
Head turn is a bit avante garde but seems to work very well imo on this occasion as there's some nice light going on there; if the head was turned more towards you then the shadows might start to take over.
Nice going matey
Posted by David Sewell on August 3, 2010 at 4:37 AM
I have tried these myself, and agree that you have to accept the head angle that shows off the iridescent plumage to best effect. You have done so superbly here, and caught the quizzical nature of the species into the bargain. Was it your breakfast he was eyeing up?
Can't really remember David, think he/she was being more aloof than anything. Very few images I think David capture and do these species justice in their colouring and markings, like the Superb starling too, you have to be there to see it.
You have caught the colours and iridescence of the plumage superbly and as already said the bird does have that quizzical look about it, which I like very much.
Plumage details are exquisite and the BG colours are very complimentary too. Nice one.
Regards,
Des
Posted by David Kjaer on August 3, 2010 at 8:45 AM
Hi Steve
Nice detail and colours.
David
Posted by Bronia Klima on August 3, 2010 at 2:47 PM
Beautiful capture Steve, wondeful colours and detail background works well to, and not forgetting the spiders web
Bronia
Posted by David Taylor on August 3, 2010 at 3:50 PM
The beautiful iridescent blues stand out superbly against the BG. A special image, indeed.
Posted by Austin Thomas on August 3, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Nicely done Steve. You have caught the colours superbly but I can tell that the HA police are starting to worry you !!
Was that taken this year?
Cheers
Austin
Posted by eric weight on August 5, 2010 at 2:14 AM
Lovely complimentary background and you have really caughgt the iridescence well. No problem with the head angle as far as I am concerned, especially as it gives a good catchlight and brings up the sheen in the plumage. I like shots with the subject looking elsewhere because they appear to be less alert to your presence. While eye contact can make a fantastic shot, it always suggests to me that the subject is onto the photographer, probably alarmed and usually one step from fleeing. eric
Discussion
10 repliesSteve
MKII 500f/4 1/320 f/4 ISO320 (HH, slight crop)
Head turn is a bit avante garde but seems to work very well imo on this occasion as there's some nice light going on there; if the head was turned more towards you then the shadows might start to take over.
Nice going matey
David
Can't really remember David, think he/she was being more aloof than anything.
You have caught the colours and iridescence of the plumage superbly and as already said the bird does have that quizzical look about it, which I like very much.
Shaun
Regards,
Des
Nice detail and colours.
David
Bronia
Was that taken this year?
Cheers
Austin