Griffon in winter

[Kalin Botev]

Hey friends!
It’s been a while since my last chance to get back to the forum. I wanted to share some of my encounter with vultures this year.
I've always thought of vultures as creatures of the African savanna and although I know they are spread further north, seeing them in Europe never ceases to amaze me. Capturing one in the snowy mountains has been a dream for quite some time.
I hope you like it. Light was not the greatest so I had to compromise between shuter speed, ISO and aperture.
Equipment:
Nikon D3, 300 mm f/2.8 + 1.7 TC
f/5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 1100 /I think/
Thanks for your comments and advices!
Kalin

[Isaac Grant]

I really like the landing pose, the snow and the background. Very nice wing position as well. I do think the bird could use a little more sharpening to really set it off. Nice pic you have here and must have been quite a thrill to photograph.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Kalin, nice colour palette, but would like more below for the vulture to land on.

For me you are between techs, not enough SS to freeze the who capture, but too much so the wing tips aren't blurred enough. Like the 'craning' neck and outstretched talons. The snow and coolness of the image makes for a nice contrast as you say, to 'African' subjects and I'm pleased to hear this has brought home a dream for you. Hope you get more chances.

TFS
Steve

[Kalin Botev]

Thank you for the kind words, gentlemen!
Thanks for the advice Steve. I was thinking only about freezing the whole subject and was nagging about not having enough light. Having the wings blurred never crossed my mind, before you mentioned it. Capturing more land was also difficult because it was either this or clip the wings.
I wish I had more chances with these guys but unfortunately it was only this one. May be next winter.
Thanks, again,
Kalin