Gonzo portrait

[phillane]

Captured this portrait of Gonzo recently and thought I'd get some feedback.



Date: 2/27/09
Time: 1:02:38 AM
Model: Canon EOS 40D
Lens (mm): 400
ISO: 320
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/1250
Exp. Comp.: 0.0
Flash Comp.:
Program: Aperture Priority
Focus Mode: Servo
White Bal.: AWB
ICC Profile: RGB Profile

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Very nice detail Phil and good exposure. I do find the head seems a tad soft on my monitor and if had been possible to step back a little to lessen the steepness of the angle it would strengthen this image. Lovely clean BG and I like the contrast between your subject and the BG. Many thanks for sharing.

[Doug Brown]

I have to agree with Judy. Backing up a little if possible would have strengthened this image. Also, the eagle is placed a little too far to the right IMO.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find, I'd be happy to get so close to eagles around here. I agree that the angle is very steep, backing up would have helped and I would give it more room and sharpen the bird more. I would also run NR on the BG. It would have been better to have the sun in your back. Keep them coming!

[phillane]

Very nice detail Phil and good exposure. I do find the head seems a tad soft on my monitor and if had been possible to step back a little to lessen the steepness of the angle it would strengthen this image. Lovely clean BG and I like the contrast between your subject and the BG. Many thanks for sharing.

Judy the image appears sharp on my monitor as the is focus on the face and eye area. Are you saying that if the angle was not as steep I would have had better Depth of Field and therefore a sharper image? I Appreciate your feedback and suggestions, just want to make sure I am on the same page.

[phillane]

"Great find, I'd be happy to get so close to eagles around here".

Actually I was not as close as it appears, there is a decent crop here about 35%.

[Doug Brown]

I won't answer for Judy, but since I made a similar comment, I'll try to explain my feelings. I am not suggesting that a less steep angle will make for a sharper image. A lower angle makes for a more visually pleasing image; I as a viewer connect more with a bird when it appears to be at eye level. Taking a few steps away from the bird can have a significant impact on the perceived angle that the photo was taken from. With regard to sharpness, I think a little more USM of the head and eye will help the image.