Running for me

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

• 2Mad Photographers
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• Version 1.2

I photographed this young Australian (aka Nankeen) Kestrel almost two years ago in a place called Oberon, west of Sydney, at a dam.
I noticed the small group of (I guess related) young birds and that gave me the idea of grabbing some crickets to tempt them closer.

I had to make a two hour drive to the nearest shop that had crickets, but returned the next morning with my wife and we shot one bird that was hanging around for about an hour and a half.
Here, the bird was running towards a cricket as I knelt on the ground at a slightly lower level to it.

OM-1, 300mm f/4 Pro + 2x, ISO1000, f/10, 1/2000th, manual mode
Small crop from file.


Note: I reduced the opacity of the business logo, as per Steve's suggestion. Just don't tell my wife, she'll kill me for it. LOL

 

[Jonathan Ashton]

Nice shot you did well to nail the focus, not always so easy with the MC20 but when it works it works well. The darker edged grasses behind the right leg and between the two legs are a minor irritation, I may have been tempted to remove them.
Super low angle, pleasing colours ( would suggest make SRGB profile)

 

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Ákos, seems that Kestrels rule at present and I will be adding into the mix when I get back, but this rocks.

The eye level is perfect POV, along with the Kestrel coming towards you with fixed intentions and raised foot. It's a bit tight at the foot, you needed more room for the Kes to run into I feel, but I'm not sure on the overall framing, either going central, or going portrait in the initial capture? The young kestrels yesterday were like this, bright soft colouration, but feisty for sure, kicking dad off!!! Seeing a hint more of that right leg as viewed might have been nice, but not sure how.

Don't forget you can post 1920px wide, so you might wish to consider this next time. The watermark I do find distracting and conflicting with the subject, perhaps create a white version and use opacity to soften the look. At the end of the day Ákos, if the image is lifted, to remove the watermark is a 10 second job.

TFS
Steve

 

[William Dickson]

Very nice Akos. Love the POV and the raised talon. Not really anything I would change, apart from maybe a wee bit more on the bottom. I really like the detail and colours throughout, and, that Stare. Well done mate.

Did you ever get to Scotland and the places I recommended, Ospreys etc. Or, did covid prevent that trip.

Will

 

[Daniel Cadieux]

Awesome down-the-barrel look at this kestrel, and I love the low angle. Raised foot adds interest and tells us this individual is on the move. Personally I'd have preferred a looser composition, but it really is an effective frame overall. Fun stuff!

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hey Akos ....
what a great shot of a Kestrel , love the head on view and the raised talon is priceless cool !!! :cheers::5
Would agree a looser crop would have been better with hindsight .
Your investment of crickets seem to pay off ... please more of the Kestrels

TFS Andreas

 

[Brian Sump]

Akos, not a whole lot to pick on with this one.

Some very good comments above. While social media loves the tighter crops, we tend to desire a little more room around the subject to get a better feel for the environment and perspective. I do agree loosening it up here would help a bit.

Also, I wouldn't mind a touch more luminosity from the lighter feathers.

This is a gem of a frame though and appreciate you sharing with us!

 

[Dave Pastern]

Very well captured Akos. These guys can move fast when they want to. I'm originally from Sydney, but am a traitor now living in Brisbane (don't tell the Brisbanites, I'm really a spy LOL!).

Dave

 

[Ian McLachlan]

This really grabbed me .Everything has been said above. Low Angle great.I love the way he/she is nearly in your lens and the grass gives some reality to the action.
I must find a cricket shop

 

[Arthur Morris]

Akos, When did you re-surface?

a

 

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Akos,

So excited to see you post again!

Love the POV here just makes the image for me, also the raised foot and of course, great HA. Nice soft BG too, great colours.
I quite like close ups and in this case I do not mind the tight framing, feels like the Kestrel is about to jump off the screen☺️
Well processed and presented, thank you for sharing and I would love to see more!

Kind regards,
Gabriela

 

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Low shooting angle with a direct stare and raised foot is just killer. Love this one Akos. +1 on looser comp, if possible.

 

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Amos, When did you re-surface?

a

I know you meant Ákos, or Oshkosh

I have always lurked, just not participated for a very long time.
It appears the forum is getting a bit of momentum.

I hope you've been well Maestro!

 

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Hello Akos,

So excited to see you post again!

Love the POV here just makes the image for me, also the raised foot and of course, great HA. Nice soft BG too, great colours.
I quite like close ups and in this case I do not mind the tight framing, feels like the Kestrel is about to jump off the screen☺️
Well processed and presented, thank you for sharing and I would love to see more!

Kind regards,
Gabriela

Hi Gabriela
THANK YOU!

Appreciate your kind words!

We were in South Africa again recently. I married the girl after the 2018 trip. This time, we visited her hometown in Durbs....went to Giants Castle, Pilanesberg... your country is the most amazing for wildlife! Absolutely love it! We'll be back!

 

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Low shooting angle with a direct stare and raised foot is just killer. Love this one Akos. +1 on looser comp, if possible.

Thank you so much, Sidarth!

 

[Arthur Morris]

I know you meant Ákos, or Oshkosh

I have always lurked, just not participated for a very long time.
It appears the forum is getting a bit of momentum.

I hope you've been well Maestro!

Thanks, fixed, and welcome back.

a