EYE TO EYE

[gary ellwein]

An image from a recent visit to Bosque del Apache. Nikon D7000, Nikkor 600mm, f5.6, 1/1600, iso 500.

[Don Nelson]

A very interesting image -- Just a little more head turn towards you and it would be looking "right down the barrel". Nicely seen and composed!
I think you've tried to lighten the eye on the right side - yes? there is a little lightening spilling over into the sky that could be controlled with masking.
If it were mine, I'd further ligthen the eye, and get rid of the blue cast in the lighter shadow on the the side of face and where the wing meets the body.
here's an example: (and I can't fully fix the sky right next to the eye on right side - you should go back to raw for full fix):

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Very nice Gary! Do you have the orignal to share? I would love to see a bit more of the legs and a little less on top. And if you have it, a larger aspect ratio showing a bit more wing would be great. Otherwise, nice capture! I also agree with Don's comments above.

[Henry Domke]

The fresh angle (coming right at you) is a good idea but to me the huge belly overwhelms the image.

[gary ellwein]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. Miguel, I am posting the original. There is alot of room for experimentation. I elected to post the image because of the uncommon perspective.