Taken this evening at RSPB Otmoor. First time I've managed to get shots of these. Not particularly flighty- was able to slowly approach. There were a pair in the hedgerow alongside the main path.
D200 and 500mm f/4 ED IF P Nikkor with TC-14, Manfrotto 055 with 393 head, wide open, 1/320 sec., ISO 160, cropped from landscape to portrait- roughly 50% of frame.
Hi Ben
The bird is well positioned on a nice perch with a sky background,You have handled the exposure well but the heavy shadow across the face is a shame
Yes, it was unfortunate I wasn't coming the other way down the path! From the other side I would have had great light. I have a few images of his face lit, but these are with him facing away from the camera. I chose this image as the light was highlighting his red forehead and breast. Thanks for the comments Dave.
Looks nice and sharp considering you were wide open with a 1.4, The light wasn't very kind to you, although it shows the red it is not very flattering for the bird, I like the composition, would probably like a touch more room at the bottom as the bird is looking down, still it is better that anything I have of this species (I have yet to even see one this year let alone photograph one.....)
Discussion
3 repliesD200 and 500mm f/4 ED IF P Nikkor with TC-14, Manfrotto 055 with 393 head, wide open, 1/320 sec., ISO 160, cropped from landscape to portrait- roughly 50% of frame.
The bird is well positioned on a nice perch with a sky background,You have handled the exposure well but the heavy shadow across the face is a shame
Looks nice and sharp considering you were wide open with a 1.4, The light wasn't very kind to you, although it shows the red it is not very flattering for the bird, I like the composition, would probably like a touch more room at the bottom as the bird is looking down, still it is better that anything I have of this species (I have yet to even see one this year let alone photograph one.....)