Bald Eagle (captive)

[David Hemmings]

I had the opportunity to visit a raptor center in Ontario. They do lots of great work at this place and have some beautiful birds. I had a chance to sit in some grass about 25 ft away from this mature Bald Eagle. It was very early and the light was just coming over my shoulder. I was not disturbing the bird but everytime one of the employees walked close by the eagle would make gestures and open it's beak. I have never been one for knowing how to present portrait shots and wanted to try something different. I came up with this. Please let me know what you think.

Canon 1D MK 111 / Canon 100-400 / 1/1600th @ f8 ISO 400 / monopod /


http://avianart.smugmug.com/photos/479595837_x34wW-O.jpg

[Dave Mills]

David...I'll tell you what I think...one word, FABULOUS! Beautiful light, great expression with excellent detail. I can only say...well done!!

[Greg Basco]

David, I think this is an outstanding portrait. Great job on the focus to get everything sharp. The framing is great too. The only thing I would have wished for is a darker background up top. I love the basically black background on the bottom.

Congrats!
Greg Basco

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the composition a lot, it almost looks unreal. Great light, details and the open beak adds to it.

[Dick Glover]

What I think is that it is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Dick

[Ramon M. Casares]

STRIKING SHOT! Powerfull, dramatic, and full of atitude! Love the comp, light, detail and dark anviroment. COngratulations!

[Randy Stout]

David:

A most striking portrait. It would have been intersting to see what a tiny bit of fill flash would have done, say -2.0 or so. A little more pop in eye, and a little color in the mouth. Just a thought. Certainly wouldn't want to make any major changes in your exposure balance.

Cheers

Randy

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Doesn't get much better than this David. Very striking capture with excellent lighting and detail. The action puts it over the top for me.

[Bonnie Block]

This is a show stopper, David! What else is there to say?? The pose is amazing!

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey David,
Just wanted to add Super! ...as I can't add much to the above. Very well done!

[Art Kornienko]

I agree with all of the above but I find the bird quite menacing looking and like you say, it is something different. Maybe a touch CCW. Super shot.

[Bill Sharkey]

Nice shot David, this puppy just jumps out of the screen at me ... cool!

Bill