Cape Vulture

[Stu Bowie]

I visited a Vulture hide where they are doing research on these vultures. Carcasses are left away from the hide, and these vultures just appear from nowhere, and we get the opportunity to shoot them coming in. Unfortunately, the hide was built at the wrong angle with regards to the morning sun, but also, these guys only appear later in the morning, so the light is harsh. The BG was already OOF, as shot. Added a slither of canvas on the LHS.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2 X TC = 600mm
1/2500
F/7.1
ISO 640

Manual exposure
Hand held from a hide.

[Loi Nguyen]

Nice capture and you handled the light well here, Stuart. I like the head on shot with bot eyes. The comp is a bit too center for me, but not sure where you might have more room Loi

[Lorant Voros]

Awesome landing; love the intense look. I like it as presented.

[christopher galeski]

Nice capture Stuart,sharp with plenty of detail,good landing pose,like the presentation.

[vishaljadhav]

If looks could kill this is one image where it applies completely, such a fantastic capture Stuart
Lovely exposure, fantastic composition and you just nailed all the details , especially the eyes and those open claws
i will not change a thing, yes but will come back and have a look at this one again , this is just so lovely.

[Martin Dunn]

Lovely full frontal 'incoming' pose Stuart. The light is harsh, as you said, which does make those upper wing surfaces pretty bright - but taking that into consideration you did a great job with the underwings.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Stu, very cool shot, love the pose and head on approach, looks like he was gunning for you. Good detail and the BKG separates the subject nicely. Might just tone that highlight bottom LHS just on the trim edge, not a deal breaker but knocking it back would just take up up a few steps for me.

TFS
Steve

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent incoming flight shot. Rest as usual superb with beautiful composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[John Robinson]

Great shot with just the kind of background I like. Superb expression on the birds head too.
JR

[Grace Scalzo]

The pano composition, incoming pose, and light on the head make this a stunner. I like how we can make out the shape of a tree in the background.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The high overhead light actually helped you here...I love the result it gave you! That is one menacing looking vulture!! Great job Stuart.

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much for your feedback. Always appreciated. I have plenty incoming shots for another day.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Pretty darn cool Stuart. I was looking for the eyes up at the neck area when all of a sudden that head and face popped out at me. Those feet are great and I love great stare

[Holger Leyrer]

Great cool landing pose. Wonderful image you captured

[gail bisson]

This is awesome Stuart!
I like absolutely all- the comp, the BG and that lovely curved neck and splayed talons.
I feel like the vulture is about to land on me!
Gail

[Karl Egressy]

Great incoming shot, Stuart. It is so vivid that it is almost scary