Shot in 2020 at the National Grasslands SD. Going through some old files. Been sometime since last post. Just a lazy winter. I kept this on the cool side as I didn't want to warm it up much.
As I remembered shot early around 6.30 am. Processed with Dpp 4,Photoshop,Topaz noise. Added some canvas to the bottom and left side. Hope you like it and appreciate comments and suggestions.
Don't know what happened on the settings, probably about the time lost vision in my right eye. Have to be careful now switched to my left eye I also tend to cut off the bottom of the frames.
Canon 1DX111
500 f/4 L IS
700 mm
AV 7.1
1/5000
Iso 8000
How did I not know about your eye situation?!?! That's such a bummer. Sorry you went through that.
As to the frame, it's really nice! Calling pose is great, and you offer a great view of the mottling on the back, wings, and tail. Lighting and BG are top notch.
Near wing coming out of the plane isn't ideal, but the rest of the frame mitigates that issue. Excellent result at ISO 8000, but I guess those pig DX3 pixels help!
The OOF wing certainly does not bother me. You caught the important part-his head and face. Great expression. I also like the split, graduated BG. I am not sure how high these birds jump when they are dancing, but to get his upper body outlined against the sky must have a challenge.
I'm also sorry to hear about your eye - we take these things for granted.
Super cool image, that pose is rather impressive. The open bill adds a lot. I love the background too, the lower yellow strip adds context on the bird being still relatively low to the ground.