I finally was in an area to get decent opportunities for Bald Eagle images. During our recent vacation Gail and I spent a short time at Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in MD. The weather was overcast the entire time we were there and rain on and off. We managed to get a few decent images.
This was done with my 1DMK2 and 500. I did not put a TC on as I wanted to be sure I didn't clip a wing when the Eagle took off. Unfortunately, for this pose the TC would have helped as it is a rather large crop. ISO was 640 f 5.6 and 1/3200. Whitish sky due to overcast weather.
I titled the image the was I did as the Eagle looks like a runner taking off on a sprint.
You did real well getting light under his wings and the proper exposure. The high key approach lends itself nicely here. I really like the "out of the blocks" takeoff. Have you tried moving her a tad bit to the right ?
The tail feathers would normally indicate a nesting eagle but I wouldn't think they breed in MD. this time of year.
Good timing Ed, and I like the take off pose. You have exposed the eagle nicely considering the conditions. Comp wise, I would take a bit off the right and top. Well captured.
Hey Eddy--I've been to blackwater several times and know they have the resident eagles, but never have I gotten a shot even as close as this one. The action is fantastic, and can feel you dilema about to use, or not to use the 1.4. Here it would have been a huge benefit as I feel the better comp would be a tight-in crop. I guess this is where a newer camera with a lot of pixels would come in handy. We all know how that goes. None the less I have never seen a eagle pic with quite this action on a takeoff.
Thanks for all the comments. We certainly had a good time. Blackwater is about a 6 hour drive away, so I can see us going back. Not sure if we can go again soon, but will think about it. Yes, Paul, the 7D came one week too late to use here. I cropped this as far as I could and still retain detail. If I had the 1.4 it would have been OK for this image, but my luck would have it that the Eagle would have spread its wings and I should have clipped them. I did place myself so I was perpendicular to the wind direction to maximize my chances. I have other images just before and after this one I will post later.
Hi Ed, a little late but I had to chime in on this one. I guess I am odd man out but I like the space and the center composisiton. My eye is glued to that center and on this one, I think that works. Nice job!
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