Bateleur

Gallery: AvianPosted September 23, 201194 views7 comments

I shot this image in December 2010 in the Kgalagadi National Park in South Africa at one of the waterholes north of Nossob. This Juvenile Bateluer came in to land and drank from the waterhole. Although the light is quite harsh I like this image because of the wing positions and the direct stare at me as the shutter snapped open and shut.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Shooting Date/Time 12/19/10 15:42:14
Shooting Mode Shutter-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/4000
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
ISO Speed 250
Auto ISO Speed OFF
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length 500.0mm

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on September 23, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Neal, I really am digging the low angle and setting on this one. My only little nit is the head position. both with the wing location being right behind him, the head does get a little lost in the shot for me, but also, just never been a big fan of birds looking straight into the camera, but that second nit is really more of a personal taste thing. Still I think you managed to handle the harsh light well.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on September 24, 2011 at 1:33 AM

A wonderfully unique pose you captured here Neal! Like Kurt, I usually find birds looking straight at the camera far less appealing than those showing at least some profile, however, this is one for me is an exception, very nicely done :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on September 24, 2011 at 1:25 PM

Wow Neal. Love those blood red eyes and the intensity of the stare. Harsh conditions for sure but a great capture none the less. Were you on your belly or was this waterhole raised. Love the perspective. Neat Image Neal.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on September 24, 2011 at 2:55 PM

I'm fine with the angry look into the camera here: I find it really makes this shot up close and personal! You handled the harsh light very well except maybe it would be possible to lighten the shadow beneath the beak a bit to emphasize the head. Attention-getting shot.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Frye on September 24, 2011 at 7:26 PM

Background is great and I like the reflections in the water in the foreground. But I do have trouble with the head merging into the wing -- would like to see some separation there

Registered on February 3, 2007, 387 Posts, 1136 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on September 24, 2011 at 11:08 PM

A terrific capture and very good work under pretty challenging light.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on September 26, 2011 at 1:25 PM

This is an awesome capture I just feel the bg and surrounding area besides the bird are too bright. Maybe less contrast? I think an image worth working on

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments