I was lucky enough to spot this guy on our property a few weeks ago and he let me sneak a little closer than I'm usually able to get, by approaching slowly behind a large wood pile. I think it was intent on having an afternoon nap. Softly cloudy light.
Canon 5D Mk III, 300mm f/2.8 IS + 2X II. Hand held but braced on the edge of the wood pile. ISO 1600, f/6.7, 1/500 sec. Cropped to 30% of the full frame. (Would have liked to get closer but he was getting nervous and flew after a short time. Was hoping to try for flight shots but he dropped down low behind the post and headed straight away from me. (I probably would have done the same...) Basic LR adjustments then to PS CS6 for some Detail Extractor and NR. Used a masked curves to burn down the front of the post, which was too bright for my tastes.
Majestic! I have photographed these Vultures many times Diane, and it's not easy to capture the quality you've achieved. Love the primary feathers slightly raised and the iridescence of the neck and chest. Wonderful detail and BG. Like your description of how you managed to get this great image.
A beautiful picture of what has to be one of the ugliest birds in North America.
When I looked at the attractive plumage (I never knew it was so colorful) I almost forgot about that naked moth-eaten head.
I've photographed this species before but my images were never so visually rich.
It's easy to take an appealing picture of a sexy bird that everyone loves. It's much harder to create an successful image with a bird that so much working against it.
But you've done it.
Congratulations!
I think they're so ugly they're kind of cute. They always seem to look at you with this sort of look that says, "You're not going to take a PICTURE of me, are you?" But then after I finally saw some up close, I thought hyenas were kind of cute, too...
I hadn't noticed the iridescence either until I saw one being displayed at a bird rescue center. It was very patient and cooperative perched on the handler's arm but it had that same hangdog expression, even though I'm sure it was used to being photographed.
Hi Diane you really have some nice datail and tones in the feathers and I like the composition. Also the perch is quite nice as far as posts go.
Tfs
Iain
This is really nice Diane.
The image has a painterly quality to it. Lovely mottled BG and the slightly ruffled feathers add a nice depth.
My favorite part is that long talon hanging over the edge of the post.
A beautiful shot,
gail
Turkey Vulture
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