Brahminy Kite (a.k.a) Red-backed Sea-eagle

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

One of my favourite images of the Brahminy :)

Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM
f6.3 @ 1/1000 sec
ISO 640, manual mode

one raw, two exposures (for the bird and second, for the BKGR) combined in one file in photoshop. Simple editing - curves and USM ~ 150/0,3/0

[Doug Brown]

Great underwing detail on a beautiful bird. I would like to see a slight contrast boost and some additional sharpening of the head.

[Julie Kenward]

Agree with Doug...I think a bit of a boost in contrast would really show off the difference in the wing colors. I also think the entire image feels just a touch soft - but that could be my tired eyes.

You sure did get some beautiful lighting! I also like the lighter sky color - if this had been dark blue I think it would have overpowered the colors in the bird. Nicely done, Nikolay!

[Fabs Forns]

Another vote for more selective sharpening. Other than that, impressive wingspan with lots of detail and very nice light.

[Ian McHenry]

Beautifully timed flight picture, but I feel it could be just a tad darker.
Darkened shadows.
Cheers: Ian Mc

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions :)
Ian, how you've darken only the shadows?

[Ian McHenry]

Hi Nikolay
I don't know the process in Photoshop CS3 as I only have Photoshop Elements 5.
Only made one slight adjustment.
Selected: Enhance:Adjust Color:Color Variations:Shadows, Darken OK.
That's it.
Cheers: Ian Mc