Cape Vulture close-up

[Chris van Rooyen]

This image was captured at the Giants Castle hide in the Drakensberg. I was too close with the 500mm to get the outstretched wings , so I decided to crop the image further to create an "in your face" image. Hope it works - would like to know what you think:)

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:05:07 10:033
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Focal length: 500mm

[susanschermer]

Hi Chris. I generally love all your images. Your techniques is impeccable and you post interesting stuff. Oddly enough this image doesn't quite do it for me (you asked). There is almost too much detail. My eye doesn't know where to go, to the eye or the feet. Also, the closeness of all the feather detail and the addition of a shadow is distracting.

[Alexander Koenders]

Here he goes again.......:) do i understand what Susan meens.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Although I see what Susan means, this one works for me to perfection, the stunning sharpness just make me want to stay for as long as it takes to enjoy all the textures and details, great head turn IMO and excelent crop! Congratulations!

[denise ippolito]

Chris, I see Susan's point but I have to confess I love it!!The head turn, great details and I think the crop is great! BG colors really add to this!

[Jim Fenton]

I have to agree with Susan on this one.

The birds head is small relative to the rest of the image and due to the neck position, it actually feels detached. (I do realize that the birds head actually is small relative to that massive wing expanse.)

Between the excellent sharpness and all of those lovely individual feathers, there is nothing to guide you to a focal point in the image.

[John Blumenkamp]

Amazing detail and exposure on another great image Chris. I think the only thing that makes this one somewhat odd is the position of the head... that long neck is not really seen and the head almost looks like it's not attached somehow... :) Regardless, still an excellent image in my book!

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Folks,

I have to disagree with Susan. This is nature at its best. Amazing amount of details, excellent exposure and sharp. You did an excellent job!

Keep up the good work!

[Marina Scarr]

Absolutely love the feel of this picture. The detail is outstanding, the exposure is dead on the money. Love the action, and the odd "look" of this bird is what makes this picture different from so many others. It doesn't have to be a beautiful, perfect looking bird for it to be outstanding. Congratulations!

[Chris van Rooyen]

Hi guys, thanks for the interesting and stimulating debate:-)

[Phil Liew]

This one is definitely a winner for me regardless of the cropped wings simply because of the details and controlled exposure.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the crop, details, BG and find it amazing how small the head is. The whites have a slight turquoise cast on my monitor.