Cape Vulture coming to land

[Loukie Viljoen]

This was taken when we had a bit more sun, concentrating on his/her landing spot

[carole wiley]

I love the intense look and the wing position in this image. I do wish the shadow of the head weren't so prominent on the wing and same wing looks like it may have a hot spot, not sure. I do like the composition a lot.

[Alfred Forns]

HI Loukie Dramatic pose and great bg setting !!!!

Harsh light is about the only thing detracting Your sun angle as not that bad but the wing position just did not allow light coming in !!! Do like it a lot as presented !!!

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Very nice wing position and great pose,agree that the light is a bit harsh

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Loukie,
Agree with the assesments above. Ahhh......those dreaded wing positions!

[Grady Weed]

Despite the harsh light and shadows, The forward wings make this one look as if it is trying to brake in mid air. That alone gives this one a powerful feel and draws you right in. I like it a lot as presented for that alone.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Pose, details and BG are great, I just wish for a better light angle. Not much you could have done about it. Thanks for sharing!

[Loukie Viljoen]

Thank you for all suggestions, but you get what you have, for me the sun must come from somewhere, the shadows must be somewhere you are in snow topped mountains, the bird decides to come in, you just have to press the shutter and hope, if you don't you will forever cry about the missed shot, regards, Loukie
PS I forgot Exif,
File: 080624 LoukieGiantsCastle_A1H9222
File size: 159KB
Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:06:24 09:29:10
Shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: 6.3
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 640
Focal length: 500mm
Image size: 689 x 600
Rotation: none

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Despite the light being harsh I like this a lot Loukie. Somehow harsh ligh suits these creatures in a way since they are often associated with dry, hot, sunny environments. I actually like the shadow of its head on the wing, it adds to the image. Man I must go and book that Giant's Castle hide soon!

[Keith Rawlins]

Good luck Vincent, I was there two weeks ago, and I booked last year already.

[Loukie Viljoen]

Vincent they are fully booked this year, hide closed until next year 2009, in May they allow photos/bookings again.