Tawny Eagle - strutting his stuff

[Steve Kaluski]

Hit the ground running since I got back the other week and have only just begun to start to edit images and so most of this week and next will be taken up with that, as I'm away again and can take stock. In addition, it's alway great to catch up with the legend - Stu Bowie several times on the trip and also, finally, Gabriela too.

Shot early in the morning (7.04am) with some 'insane' light this Tawny was strutting away with others following whilst scavenging on a kill. Great to be able to show the talons, as when they were on the kill they were within a dip and so their 'virtual' feet just disappeared into the soil.

Thanks to those who posted or viewed on the last posting.

Steve

Subject: Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) strutting his stuff
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 200-400f/4 MKII Gitzo tripod and the awesome 'Flexline' ball head
Exposure: 1/500s at f/8 ISO4000
Original format: Portrait, almost FF
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2018

[Joseph Przybyla]

Beautiful bird, love the raised strutting foot and talons. I guess I would have wished for the bird to have turned it's head to the right for more even light on the face, but we take what is given. Techs spot on as always. Thank you for sharing, Steve.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Steve, excellent detail all round, and I like the expression on the face. I really like how the DOF covers the entire Tawny, tack sharp, and well timed to have the raised foot showing those Talons. I do like the complimentary colours of the BG, and indeed, sweet, sweet light.

I hope we dont have to wait another 2 years for our bi-annual catch up. Looking forward to more from your trip. Cheers.

[John Mack]

Great low angle. Love the pose on the bird. Excellent background as well. Sweet light as well.

[arash_hazeghi]

pretty cool walking pose and nice light. good details

TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks folks glad you liked it, sorry for the late response, I just not getting any notifications.

Stu, if I can make it within the next two years you know we will do, but next year is already booked and 2020 is a BIG year and may mean a BIG trip, will keep you posted...

Arash, just trying to emulate the golden light both you and David S manage to work in.

[Daniel Cadieux]

That is such a fun walking posture you got here! I love the look on the face as well - this individual is on a mission. Not to mention a great low angle too. I only wish the FG was not shaded as it is. Happy processing!!

[Steve Kaluski]

Cheers Dan, think from what was shot, it might be more 'Avian' this time.

I only wish the FG was not shaded as it is.

Interesting, I quite liked the contrast.

[David Salem]

I was on the fence about the shaded foreground also and have been looking at this Beautiful image for a few minutes. Love the warm light and the nice details you captured here. What a rough-and-tumble looking individually he is. I think I like the shaded foreground as if it were fully lit it would probably be a bit overwhelming.
Well done Steve

[Gabriela Plesea]

Love this Tawny, thank you for sharing Steve!

I must say POV really makes this image for me. Killer BG and pose is fantastic, light is superb.
Wonderful detail and colours as expected from you - stunning PP work as always

Warmest regards,

[William Dickson]

Very well done Steve. What a great POV. I really like the raised talon and facial expression. Wonderful light, with great colours and details throughout.

Will