Belted Kingfisher with catch

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1

BKF.jpg
BKF.jpg800×1200 679 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I saw this kingfisher yesterday as it positioned its fish to be swallowed.

Specific Feedback

I was a fair distance away so decided on a loose crop that emphasized the trunks of the pine trees that surrounded the pond. I was afraid further cropping would diminish image quality too much.
Do you think this composition works?

Technical Details

Canon R7, 400mm f4 DO IS II, 1.4x extender III, monopod
ISO 6400, f5.6, 1/2000s

Processed in DXO Pure Raw 3 and Photoshop.

2

Down the hatch! You caught a great moment here, Allen. I agree with the composition, especially as you have interesting trunks as the backdrop. It’s clever how they flick the fish to go down headfirst, and you caught that moment precisely. I can’t see any way to improve this.

1 Like
3

Fantastic. Composition looks fine. On enlargement, it appears to lose some quality, but not of any significance. Birds must flip fish around so they are easier to swallow. I’m sure that is the case with herons and bullheads.

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4

Cool shot to get the mouth open and the fish in position. Great job.

1 Like
5

Perfect, Allen. Without the context, you’d think someone had thrown the fish to the bird!

1 Like