High Key Bald Eagle

[Doug Brown]

I took this frame during my Alaska trip in 2013. Never got around to processing it until the other day. I like the minimalist high key look and the tattered tail feathers.

Canon 1Dx, 300 mm f/2.8 @ f/5, 1/2500, ISO 2000, manual exposure, hand held from boat

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent exposure and details Doug,very nice pose on the Juvi. I think the BG is snow(?) if so I might be tempted to recover just a tad more texture there

[Doug Brown]

Thanks Arash. Here's a version with the BG pulled way down. It's actually a water and sky BG. Which do you prefer?

[arash_hazeghi]

I think I like the 2nd one better

[Glenn Conlan]

Great image Doug, I second Arash on the second post, I like the visible horizon line and the color, well done

[Isaac Grant]

Another vote for the second one. Just a great eagle shot. I am green with envy. No chance to get a shot like that in New York City. Everything is perfect. Exposure, angle and pose. Plus those spread wings and weathered feathers really take it over the top.

[Kirk Benson]

Wonderful detail and flight pose here Doug, and your composition is terrific. Add my vote for #2, I've always preferred having something visible in the BG. Very well done.

Kirk

[Tim Foltz]

Doug super image, intense stare, nice wing position, and sharp. I do prefer the second image but would loose the blip on the right side of the frame in the BG.

-Tim

[gail bisson]

Definitely like #2 better.
Love the diagonal line and the tattered tail feathers.
Tack sharp and excellent IQ.
Agree with Tim about cloning out the round thing in the ocean to the right of the bird.
Gail

[Doug Brown]

Thanks for the feedback Gail. I never saw the smudge until I pulled the exposure way down on the BG. Here's a repost with the smudge removed.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Although I am a fan of high-key, image number too (well, three, now that the smudge is gone) looks better - I love that very subtle BG. Excellent on all counts, including the frayed tail feathers!

[David Salem]

The last one dose it for me. Great looking frame Doug

[Doug Brown]

Thanks for the feedback folks!