Views
4329
Likes
Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Creative Composition Photo Contest Vol 2
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Love it
Top Ranks
reytrai02
December 27, 2015
This is a mesmerizing shot. That's true whether you immediately recognize it as a bird or not. You captured the moment perfectly!
Firenze_1
January 02, 2016
No indication is given on speed , this picture is just stunning and my favourite of all , congratulation
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image is among many that I took at a friends fish farm. A pair of Kingfishers used a certain small pond regularly and we made sure the pond was topped up with small fish. I spent many long hours observing the birds and the majority of the 100's of images that were taken were sent to the trash however a few pictures came out as I wished. Some luck was involved but the more familiar I came with the bird's habits the better I got at anticipating a decent shot.Time
Morning were always best as the light was more favourable.Lighting
The lighting was always a challenge as the pond was in dappled shade for the most part and high ISO'swere the order of the day.Equipment
Always a tripod with Nikon gear and a remote control.Inspiration
Kingfishers have always been a passion and now I had the ideal opportunity to study and photograph them. I have yet to get a decent shot of a bird entering the the water rather than emerging.Editing
Only the usual post processing from a RAW file is used such as levels, contrast, saturation etc.In my camera bag
I use Nikon bodies and lenses. A Nikon D7100 and a D810 is used at the moment. My favourite lens is the new Nikon 300mm f/4 with VR as it is easy to carry around but a Nikon 500mm gives wonderful quality. A 1.4x converter is often used.Feedback
Knowing your subject and it's habits will give the best photo opportunities. Patience and practice, practice practice. These shots rarely happen by accident.