Swainson's Hawk

[DarrenMcKenna]

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/onewing/IMG_3675a.jpg


1/2000, F4.0, ISO 200, EF500mm f/4L IS USM, 1 handheld



I could have extended the canvas to the right but chose not to, this was almost full frame and wouldn't you know it I didn't lead him to the right far enough. The light was a tad on the harsh side (08/06/2007 16:44:57) but with some curve, level adjustments and selective sharpening I am pleased with it. Of course I value and appreciate any constructive criticism you have to offer.

thanks for looking

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice capture, Darren. Since the blue sky is solid, it wouldn't be too much trouble extending the canvas, but alas, you have the last word :) If you do not wan t do that, perhaps[s cropping from bottom and top would give it a more balance ratio. Good on the workflow, excellent exposure and good detail in the feathers.
As far as the pose, I wish the wings were fully extended, versus the "clothes hanger" pose and that the head did not merge with the wing.

Keep them coming!

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Darren,
Another vote for more canvas on the right to balance the proportions. I actually really like the wing position as shown - it is unusual and the feather detail is lovely.
Regards,
Nicki

[Doug Brown]

Great sharpness Darren, and the underwing detail is quite good. I agree with Fabs' suggestions about canvas and crop. Thanks for posting!

[Linda Robbins]

Lovely pose. Although it is not the classic flight pose, I like it a lot. You did a good job with PP work. -t he light does not look very harsh in the image. Nice sharp detail . Since the image is square as presented, did you crop from the left side? I must say that I think adding some canvas to the right would give the hawk more room to fly into, but that is a personal decision. Nice capture..

[DarrenMcKenna]

Thank you, some really good suggestions, here is a new canvas with a 4:3 crop

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/onewing/IMG_3675.jpg

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The crop in the repost looks much better. The head/wing separation has been mentioned.

[Bob Ettinger]

The second post with the change to 4:3 is improved and the head shoulder separation has already been mentioned. A good job, sharp and nice eye catchlight.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Good suggestions there by Fabs, repost compo works much better for me but as mentoned too, this is a very nice shot!

[Raymond Barlow]

well done Darren, fine work on the PP.