Black-shouldered Kite

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I wonder if this image works as is without the important eye contact. I waited near the perched raptor with camera at the ready for over half an hour. No bait was used, in fact I would never resort to baiting as I am not the "must have that killer shot at any cost" kind of photographer. I simply waited for it to drop off the power line. Fortunately in my general direction.

70% of original image.

Canon 30D, 300mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4x. Will provide more exif when I can review the image from home.

[Lance Peters]

HI Akos - I dont mind the pose - You might be able to lighten and sharpen the eye a tad - which would help a bit IMHO.
Some of your whites look like they might be pushing the envelope and looks a tad soft on my screen.
Soft light is the key with these guys - to keep detail in the blacks without blowing out the whites.
:)

[Nonda Surratt]

Akos I think the pose is fine and how wonderful to be able to photograph them, I do enjoy the images!

Lance covered all the techs

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Akos That is one good looking bird !!

I like the pose and would have liked even better more flaring. Bg is just extra sweet !!! Eye contact wise is fine since the bird is looking at something specifically !! I like the overall mood Excellent !!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Akos,
I like it as presented...I don't mind the head angle here, he's coming down on something and is busy concentrating on getting it...you captured a precious moment...good show...:cool:

[Harold Davis]

nice way to be patient! an you were rewarded! i like the pose. agree with lance. would sharpen just a tad..

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thank you kind folks. I sharpened another round of smart sharpen and it lifted the image up a notch. :)