Each summer, a local avian rescue organization, Hawks Aloft, Inc., hosts an event where photographers can get close to a number of raptors and make photographs. This bird and I were at last year's event.
I considered removing the tether, but decided against it, as it's part of the story.
Canon 5DS R, 400mm f/4 DO II.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 400.
A fairly standard process for me: A few nudges on tonal sliders, lens adjustments in LR. Background NR in Nik Dfine. Sharpening and highlighting in PS using unsharp mask and dodge and burn.
Jim, nice opportunity to get some pictures of birds that might not be easily accessible.
The BG is nice and so is the perch, but the image seems to be a bit soft and the narrow vertical crop makes the bird look even more "thin"
I think less room on top and more room on the left.
Jim love your photo pretty much agree with Tim . I guess a little more HA for me do like the background and the perch is great different from what you normally see with raptors. I have flown a few Prairies and what people don't know. Prairies hit harder than any other Falcon we have in the states.
I am grateful for all the help. Here is my rework. More comments? I regret having forgotten to sharpen the subject. I'm more comfortable with less room on the left, but as I'm trying to learn, am glad to have added for comparison. Tim, I especially appreciate your taking the time to show a rework.