Sunset Landing

[david cramer]

This was taken a few minutes before sunset where I had been waiting patiently by one of my favorite perches at the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, in New Mexico. It may still need a little noise removal. REPOST with larger crop so tail isn't clipped. (Thanks, Tony)

http://davidwcramer.smugmug.com/photos/418991802_6cUjD-O.jpg

D300 with 400 2.8 +2.0tc, f/8, 1/1250, iso 800, ev -1.00 on BLUBB bean bag resting on car windowsill.

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely light and I like the diagonal of the intense gaze at the perch and the out-stretched legs. Would prefer not to have clipped the single feather of the flared tail. Really like the shadow of the head and beak on the neck. Agree re more NR. Curious as to the -1 exposure comp.

[david cramer]

Thanks for your comments, Tony. You are certainly right about the tail! I'll fix that before I print.

The bird flew up quickly from out of no where, and my last exposure check on the stump showed I was blowing it, particularly the red channel. I had dialed in minus one to keep the red down and shutter speed up as light was fading fast and getting stronger on the reds.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

David,
I like the unconventional framing. I feel the shadows of the head and talons create depth in the image. Agree with the clipped tail feather. NIce light and colours.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very intense. Hey, the shadows have already reached the perch! :-) Interesting crop...it works!

[Tony Whitehead]

Repost a good improvement. Thanks for the info re the exposure comp.

[Stu Bowie]

Stunning light in this, and love the angled approach. Well captured David.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Love that tight crop! It is so powerfull! Magical light and great pose! Congratulaitons!