American Kestral Portrait

[Joe Senzatimore]

Two friends were doing a photography program at a local Nature center so I went out to support them. After the program a few captive birds were brought out to show the public. Not the best light or shooting conditions as they only held the birds and did not perch them. So no controll over BG and forced to shoot head shots to eliminate the gloved hand. Worked on this a bit in PS. Cropped and blurred the BG. The light color in the BG is the blonde hair of the girl holding the Kestral.

800ISO f5.5 at 1/640th
Fill at minus 1

[Doug Brown]

Nice detail in the bird Joe. The BG blurring has bled onto the bird, producing a halo most noticeable in front of the breast.

[gail bisson]

Very nice portrait of a captive kestrel. The BG complements the colors of the bird. I would never have guessed it was hair! Good IQ,
Gail

[Karl Egressy]

Nice portrait shot, the bird looks good.
I wish for a different background to set the bird off but you did not have the freedom to choose I guess.
There are not many people with green hair.:S3:

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Joe, lovely colours on the kestrel, and just love that eye. The BG compliments the bird so well.

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful close up shot. Excellent detail and I really like the background.
Well done.