Red Shoulder Hawk Portrait

[Dave Phillips]

Walked right up on this immature red shoulder a couple weeks ago
and got a very nice assortment of portraits.

400mm w/1.4x, ISO 400, 1/250, f/8....thanks for looking and c/c

[Randy Stout]

Dave:

Very powerful. Sharp, nice head angle, nice DOF.

I think I might try it just a bit brigher, not much, and perhaps try to lighten the eye just a bit as well.

But very nice just as is. Like the subtle yellow on the eye lid margin.

Thanks. show us some more.

Randy

[John Chardine]

I am a fan of portraits like this Dave. I think they provide a compelling example of how photography can provide an intimate look at wild animals that would be otherwise almost impossible with the naked eye.

I would try two things with this beautifully sharp image- raise the ceiling a little- i.e., provide more space above, and boost the saturation some.

[Phil Ertel]

I also like these portraits and am especially jealous that you were able o capture a wild bird. This image has a very nice feel to it. I like the depth of focus and the resulting detail. I am fine with the comp but, a bit of saturation might make this image pop.

Thanks for sharing.

[Yan Chen]

Great shot! So close!! So nice DOF!

[Dave Phillips]

Thank you for all the input.
John and Phil, this is a case where this juvenile is very light toned and an overcast day,
so little natural contrast inherent in the image.

Here is a more saturated version, though a bit unnatural compared to initial vision.
But it does "pop" more....thanks guys.

[Lance Peters]

HI Dave - gorgeous light - details are fantastic and amazing to get that close to a wild bird - Only ever managed these type portraits on captive birds.

Well done :)

[Dave Phillips]

HI Dave - gorgeous light - details are fantastic and amazing to get that close to a wild bird - Only ever managed these type portraits on captive birds.

Well done :)

thanks Lance.....this is a second hawk encounter for me.
Evidently "immature" birds are quite tolerant of man.....they haven't learned to fear us yet

[Bonnie Block]

Dave--super details---and an excellent find--in a wild bird. I like the repost--that one "pops"

[Mike Lentz]

Looks like he just had a nice snack.

[Sid Garige]

Looks like he just had a nice snack.

Yep.

Excellent details.

[Art Kornienko]

I really like these type of portrait too Dave, really nice work, super detail, amazing to get that close was this the 400 F4 and what body?

[Dave Phillips]

thanks guys and Bonnie

I really like these type of portrait too Dave, really nice work, super detail, amazing to get that close was this the 400 F4 and what body?

Art, this was Canon IDMkIIN, 400mm f/5.6L and cheapest non-reporting Tamron 1.4X at just over MFD