Tawny Eagle

[Chris van Rooyen]

I created this image on my recent trip to the Kgalagadi. The wind and sun direction was perfect, I knew I only had to wait for the take-off. Incredibly, the bird did not only take off as anticipated, but came back to exactly the same perch, offering me another opportunity as it landed. Sometimes lady luck smiles on us bird photographers:)

Camera Model: NIKON D3
Date/Time: 2009:06:21 08:39:15
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Manual
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 600mm
Focal length: 600mm

[David Roach]

And you took full advantage!!! The pose, details, light and composition are wonderful in this capture!! I don't even miss wanting more eye contact!! Congrats!!!

[Randy Stout]

Chris:

Very nice image, sharp, detailed, wing position, composition.

The only thing that would improve it for me would be better eye contact. Did you get one of take off, where the bird might be looking up more?

Cheers

Randy

[Brian Barcelos]

Wonderful picture Chris and beautiful species. Love the wing spread and the colors are amazing. Of course your expecting to hear about HA but it doesn't bother me here as I know he's concentrating`on landing. Congratulations!

Brian

[joel quenneville]

I agree with David, this is a great landing image. The lighting which highlights the various shades of brown in the feathers is very good. Although it is a minor thing, you might want to lighten the shadow of the bird's head on the right leg. I also think that this image would be more powerful if the branches did not touch the talons. Perhaps cloning out that topmost branch would work. Well done.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks guys! Yes randy indeed, I will post the take-off later:-)

[Aidan Briggs]

Lovely landing pose. I don't mind the lack of eye contact as it is looking down. The eagle is so rufous, it almost looks over-saturated.

[Grace Scalzo]

Perfect! It's always the little things that complete an already great image and give it that little extra, and in this case it's the bird's right foot getting ready to grab the perch.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light, pose, details and composition. I might lighten the eye a bit.

[Stu Bowie]

I know you have a passion for raptors Chris, so this must surely be up there. Outstanding light and colours, and just love that wingspread. Congrats on a great capture.

[Jim Neiger]

Very nice, Chris! I like the position of the bird, lighting and composition a lot. Cool subject as well.

[Fabs Forns]

Beautiful capture! Love the wing position and light (you always have good light) and the composition including the tree top.

[David Fletcher]

Pretty awesome shot Chris. Great light and so considerate of it to oblige with a couple of chances: :). Great stuff.

[Dave Barnes]

Fantastic capture Chris. Sweet light, super pose and comp.
Still need to visit Kgalagadi. Next on my list.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone! Fabs - the Kgalagadi has a light quality that is simply indescribable:-) Due to the remoteness, there is no pollution, and the sun reflects off the red sand dunes and the white dry river beds, ensuring that there is always light under the wings.

[Morkel Erasmus]

all has been said - sublime light, wing position and exposure Chris. can't wait for the takeoff shots! :)

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Chris,
I don't mind the HA.....as it's looking where it is going to land!.....I don't know any birds that make a no look landing?....does anyone? I know they look up just after they land but not during touchdown. nice to have that light situation.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I wouldn't change anything in this one!
The eye contact is not a problem for me since the bird is looking where is landing. Beautiful eagle and stunning light.

[Harshad Barve]

For me lighting make it winner
Harshad

[Bruce Enns]

I'd be watching the landing too, those branches look pretty small for a bird that size! Fabulous light, great well timed exposure, great details and composition. Congrats on another excellent image!

Cheers!
Bruce

[Markus Jais]

wonderful shot. great colors and light. the wing position is perfect.

Markus

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful gold feel to the bird, loved the pose and details, very well done. I love this species a lot and have worked very closely with them.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

WOW, tricky landing :D
Nice image taken in gorgeous lights. Sharp as usual.

Szimi

[Dr.Pranay Rao Juvvadi]

Love the light and the wingspread.

[Juan Aragonés]

I think that there is more here than the "help of lady luck" Chris. You did a very good job getting the image but I think that it is the result of a previous evaluation of the shooting conditions. You were at the right place, took into account the light angle and wind directiong, and waited for the right moment. Very good job!

[Gal Shon]

Wonderful shot ! the landing pose does it for me.
With more eye contact, this would be even better.
It seem's that the color a bit yellow