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Colorful hunter
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Colorful hunter

by Neal Cooper

Gallery: AvianPosted September 18, 2011116 views6 comments
This White-fronted Bee-eater caught a wasp, and in the process of beating it to death against a log, the wasp escaped. This image is of the Bee-eater catching the wasp for a second time. The BG is a bit unfortunate as there isn't enough isolation between the subject and the BG. I still like it as it's my first Bee-eater with a "kill"

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Author Neal Cooper
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/2500
Av( Aperture Value ) 8.0
Metering Mode Partial Metering
ISO Speed 1250
Auto ISO Speed ON
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length 500.0mm

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on September 18, 2011 at 2:59 PM
That is amazing! It looks like you have some great detail in the feathers, and so nice to have that catchlight. I actually really like the way he looks against the background. You chose a great depth of field! Looks good to have him angling towards you. Huge bonus having his kill in there!
Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on September 18, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Excellent for the reasons stated by Jenaya. A selective darkening of the midtones in the BG might really help separate the bird from the BG.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Sally King on September 18, 2011 at 6:25 PM
I love the wasp in his bill. I agree with your assessment about separation from the background but think Phillip may have suggested the fix. Lovely colors on this bird.
Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 18, 2011 at 6:27 PM
Nice job, Neal. I agree about the bg, though it shows better in the larger image. Looks like the light was a bit harsh as well.
:toast:
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Hans Overduin on September 19, 2011 at 5:58 AM
An absolute great action shot, I like the pose, kill and catchlight. Overall I would think of darkening it a little, since the light seems rather harsh - but suggestions have been made already. Anyway, literally a killer-image ! Well done :wavey: , cheers, Hans
Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments
Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on September 19, 2011 at 6:29 AM
I am with those suggesting trying to darken it a little. Nice flight shot getting the catch :wavey:
Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments