Turkey Vulture

[Axel Hildebrandt]

These guys usually don't win popularity contests but I liked the BG and the snow on the ground really helped getting good details in the shadows. I was surprised to find this bird here, considering the temperature and snow. It is almost full frame, only slightly cropped for composition.



1D3, 500f4, 1.4x, 1/800s, f/8, EC +0.67, ISO 400

[Doug Brown]

Great underwing detail thanks in no small part to proper exposure. For some strange reason there seems to be somewhat less detail in the head than there is in the wings. Like the clouds in the sky too.

[Jim Fenton]

Axel.....

A) I wish for a lower angle (I AM KIDDING)

B) I noticed last weekend how the snow is acting as a great reflector on the undersides of vultures and eagles locally. It did a great job, along with proper exposure on this creation.

C) I'm on my work laptop, but the head looks fine to me?

[Tony Whitehead]

I like the wing position and details from the reflected light. I agree with Doug that the head seems to lack some detail. I suspect that this relates to reflected light from the bill and bare skin which with sharpening has resulted in larger highlight areas than in the original.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Good flight pose and nice head turn Axel. Love the lighting on the underside of the wings. It is a great opportunity photographing when there is snow.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Some great details Axel, I do, however agree about the apparent lack of head details. :)

[Steve Maxson]

I like everything about this one, Axel - except for the head (as others have already noted). The tip of the beak looks blown out on my monitor. Maybe you can tone down the beak and the other highlighted areas of the head.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thanks for the suggestions, I sharpened the head more and toned down the highlights and I think it looks better.