Another shot from my trip to The National Bird of Prey Centre in Newent here in the UK. This time of a juvenile Tawny Eagle.
Could have done with a bit more light in the eye, but to be honest I don't really like fill in flash, shot using my faithfull 500mm at minimum focus distance and once again venturing into the realms of apertures other than wide open at F4. this one was F8, which gave just enough depth of field to get all the beak sharp. The black stripes in the background are some out of focus fencing rails not sure if they detract form the image but I quite like them.
On the full size image what really stands out is how sharp the details are around the birds eye you can see every individual hair, and feather detail.
If I could only have one lens it would be the 500mm F4.....or maybe the 300mm F2.8......oh to have the luxury of making that decision...:p
I like what f/8 is doing for you, and I'm sure you do to (f/10 would be nicer of course :)). It's a nice photo but it feels a little tight in the frame for me. I might also lighten the iris a touch to give more life to the eye. Otherwise excellent.
Hi John I like Doug's idea of lightening the iris don't think any fill flash would have help with it !!! I do like the tight crop in this case so the fine detail !!! Excellent image !!!
John
I was beginning to wonder if you got out this weekend. I know that you love the flight shots...and so do I.....but I'm also a fan of those tight portraits. I really feel like I get to know the birds when they are shown that close. Wonderful detail on every little feather. I like the tight crop. You would have to be careful in not lightening the eye too much or else it would look manipulated.......I personally like it as is. Well done.
I like the tight framing. The BG with is alternating green to black diagonal pattern is cool but not distracting.
If you want, a selection of the eye and the cheek around the eye that is dark could be selected using quick mask or other selection technique, feather it and apply a very mild curves adjustment. With a light hand here, it will strengthen the image w/o looking manipulated.
Tawny Eagle - Portrait
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