Ian. I really like this. You nailed the sharpness on the eye and beak....good feather detail....the light looks a bit harsh but you seemed to handle it well. You might consider cloning out the grass blade- lower center and adding a slight vignette.
Nice picture, a beautiful subject. I agree with Bob's comments and wish the mixed light was not so overpowering on the subject. The main nit for me is the light reflection on the eye....and the foreground is a bit deep...consider removing a layer from the bottom. On a more positive note, the shooting angle is really good and the exposure techs look solid. You show good DoF control and seem to have always find the right aperture...nice field technique.
Just curious...do you carry an external flash or better beamer in the field?
To answer the last question first. Yes, I usually carry a flash and BB but, on this trip to NJ, I pared down my luggage to a minimum so I didn't have to check any bags and the flash stayed home. The popup on the 7D can be used in a pinch with my 400, but doesn't have enough power to use with the 500/1.4. I also don't have a flash arm yet to use with the big lens ... it should be in my mailbox when I get home.
Jeff, please explain the issue with the reflection in the eye. I try hard to get the head at a good angle for a catchlight.
The eye is a telling part of the photograph and some argue among the most critical element. In this photograph, the bright reflection in the eye is distracting. I think a well photographed eye is dark with a bit of catch light. In this picture the light in the eye overpowers the eye and as Bob noted could be a sign of harsh lighting. The head angle is great...what was the time when this was photographed?
Glossy Ibis
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