Red Shoulder Up Up and Away

[Michael Stern]

This wonderful Red Shoulder Hawk was sitting in a tree and as I walked by he jumped up and started to fly.... I was able to capture the moment...All I did was add a little canvass on the top and left side, the bird was photographed "full frame" ! Any comments, suggestions etc. most welcome!
100-400@160; f5; ISO 500; 1/3200; Av mode
Best to all
Michael

[Jim Poor]

Nice spread winged pose, but the sun so high at 12:30 in the afternoon the light is a bit harsh. Maybe a bit of selective lightening of the eye would be good.

Did you lighten the undersides in PS? In the lower left corner, there are some strange things going on with the sky where it is a bit blotchy.

[Michael Stern]

Hi Jim,
The blocthy in the lower right corner are clouds way off in the distance, I thought about removing them and did not....and I did touch the shadows by 1 - to help a little on the underside however it was pretty good to start with. I will play with the eye, thank you!!! Michael

[Michael Stern]

I meant lower LEFT corner

[Jim Poor]

Got it. I can see how those might be clouds as I look again. Then I noticed a band along the area where you blended in the added canvas. I'd kill the clouds and work on the seam a little bit more.

[Michael Stern]

Excellent observation...I will do as you suggest...THANK YOU!!! Mike

[Michael Stern]

Excellent observation...I will do as you suggest...THANK YOU!!!
Mike