American Black Vulture...closer crop

[Grady Weed]

This is a closer crop, still 75% of frame left here, of a ABV from Anhinga Trail in the Everglades from my recent Florida Trip. I crop it for a different look and to show off the eye and beak more. I was very close when it was imaged. If you look in the eye you can see me. Maybe he is thinking of me as his next meal.

Specs for the image for those who want to know: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, Shooting Date/Time 2/13/2009 06:29:12, Shutter Speed 1/100Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F8.0, Evaluative metering, Exposure Compensation -1/3, ISO 400, Lens: EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, Al Servo AF, Daylight White Balance, Portrait Picture Style, both to warm colors a bit.

On the Gitzo Tripod with Wimberley 2 Head, kneeling down at eye level, sun to my right and behind me. Left side of Anhinga Trail, Everglades. Photoshop work: Version 6, slight levels to darken blacks, minor curves, +5 contrast, cropped slightly, 1 USM pass, signed.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light and the crop works for me, maybe a little bit more sharpening. I'm sure the bird would not have objected to have a meal right there. I'm glad it didn't work out that way. :)

[Randy Stout]

Grady:

I like this one. I find the framing of the birds feathers around the eye draws one in to the eye. The round area that extends from 6 to 12, before the rougher area behind it, really frames the eye nicely.

Thanks for sharing.

Randy

[David Thomasson]

If you look in the eye you can see me. Maybe he is thinking of me as his next meal.

This is a great shot. And yes, I think I can read that bird's mind ... :eek:

[Steve Canuel]

I like the light, comp, and patterns in the face and feathers. Needs a touch more sharpening to my eye.