"Ground Effect"

**paul leverington** · 10-11-2009, 02:38 PM

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**paul leverington** · 10-11-2009, 02:41 PM

Hey Artie--At least on my monitor--this image overwrote the rubber ducky shot. I can't even tell you how that happened. I thought to bring it to your attention so you could maybe fix it?

Paul

**Manos Papadomanolakis** · 10-11-2009, 02:46 PM

Killer pose and beutiful mood!!!

Ákos Lumnitzer · 10-11-2009, 03:04 PM

Picture perfect image IHMO. I love the snow flakes and low angle from the prey's point of view (I guess). :) What species is it?

**paul leverington** · 10-11-2009, 03:29 PM

Akos--This is the infamous Redtail Hawk--the eastern variety. Most common hawk breed in America, hearty of a species as you will find, and source of many a legend and story. To the American Indian he was referred to as the "Red Eagle".

Paul

**Lorant Voros** · 10-11-2009, 03:40 PM

Paul,

This one is stunning. You must have used a hide and bait, right? Love the snow in the fore- and background.

edgar-junior · 10-11-2009, 03:42 PM

WOW amazing shot !!!:D

**denise ippolito** · 10-11-2009, 04:09 PM

Paul, Another gorgeous image! I love the image design and the snow.Well done. The Hawk's tail looks awesome!

**paul leverington** · 10-11-2009, 05:07 PM

Lorant--If you read the posts under my other redtail shot at the lower end of this page titled landing on a dream, you'll find those questions answered, plus some methods to my madness.

Paul

Ákos Lumnitzer · 10-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Thank you Paul! :)

**Mike Tracy** · 10-11-2009, 07:10 PM

As much as I love taking bird photos and viewing them very few elicit emotions in me, this one does. Wonderfully conceived and executed. Both the snow below and the background colors complement the hawk and are as influential to making this a strong image as the bird itself.

Have you given thought to removing the lone snowflake below his left eye ? I also think to fully take this close to perfection his left eye could use some work so as not to appear darker then the other. I realize I am viewing a compressed for web image so take that with a grain of salt if it looks differently on a large file.

**Ed Erkes** · 10-11-2009, 08:09 PM

An absolutely AMAZING image!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words fail me.

**paul leverington** · 10-11-2009, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Tracy

As much as I love taking bird photos and viewing them very few elicit emotions in me, this one does. Wonderfully conceived and executed. Both the snow below and the background colors complement the hawk and are as influential to making this a strong image as the bird itself.

Have you given thought to removing the lone snowflake below his left eye ? I also think to fully take this close to perfection his left eye could use some work so as not to appear darker then the other. I realize I am viewing a compressed for web image so take that with a grain of salt if it looks differently on a large file.

Mike I'm startin to look forward to your comments for the detail that you pick up on. I pondered both those nits actually. The snowflake was there--and well I figured this adds to the realism that he's in a snow fall. There should be some flakes in front of him right? -and -so there were. But it could go with out much fuss about it I suppose. The darker eye was actually darker cause there was a bit of directional light from the left(ours) and that is the reality of that one. However--who but a purest would know or think of this. Me maybe--but most I think would look at it and and prefer seeing both eyes clearly. Something for me to consider. I gotta tell you when I first started digital I did more to the image than I would ever do now--generally speaking. I think I like to leave things as much as possible as shot--but if it really makes a big power difference and the shot is worth it I may go that way. I made those changes you suggested to Landing on a dream--yes-- I like the shot better now. Thanks bro.

About your first statement Mike. I can't say it enough. Composition is the language of the subconscious. It doesn't hurt to have a great subject to work with either, but a great comp bypasses the cognitive and speaks to ones gut. I hope that I don't sound like I'm pontificating, but the stuff works--and works repeatedly. And reliably. Photograph compositions, not birds in a way of saying it.

Paul

**Harshad Barve** · 10-11-2009, 10:12 PM

beautiful image with awesome pose and grand settings :):):)
TFS

**Hilary Hann** · 10-11-2009, 10:18 PM

This is a very evocative image with the atmosphere of the snow falling, the beautiful wings and tail and the intense look in the eyes. Perfectly balanced.

**arash_hazeghi** · 10-11-2009, 11:47 PM

This is a very carefully timed capture and a wonderful unique pose, snow and BG take this image to the top. TFS

**Stu Bowie** · 10-11-2009, 11:57 PM

Perfect flying symmetry, and love the eye contact. Overall sharp, and I really like the falling snow. Great image.

**Raymond Barlow** · 10-12-2009, 12:23 AM

Not too often do I see an image that I would like on my wall, and big!! But this is one.. killer shot Paul.

**Krijn Trimbos** · 10-12-2009, 03:20 AM

This is absolutely amazing! As far is raptor flightshots go this is one of the best IMO. Love the snowflakes which make for a very dreamy setting, the symetry of the raptors powerful pose, and especially the faded out snow strip at the bottom make this so great! Perfection.........

**Kiran Poonacha** · 10-12-2009, 04:06 AM

spell bound, just tell me how you did this? can I also make such image?????

**David Fletcher** · 10-12-2009, 07:37 AM

Top drawer Paul. Plaudits already beyond my descriptive powers.... :):)

**Mike Tracy** · 10-12-2009, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by paul leverington

Mike I'm startin to look forward to your comments for the detail that you pick up on. I pondered both those nits actually. The snowflake was there--and well I figured this adds to the realism that he's in a snow fall. There should be some flakes in front of him right? -and -so there were. But it could go with out much fuss about it I suppose. The darker eye was actually darker cause there was a bit of directional light from the left(ours) and that is the reality of that one. However--who but a purest would know or think of this. Me maybe--but most I think would look at it and and prefer seeing both eyes clearly. Something for me to consider. I gotta tell you when I first started digital I did more to the image than I would ever do now--generally speaking. I think I like to leave things as much as possible as shot--but if it really makes a big power difference and the shot is worth it I may go that way. I made those changes you suggested to Landing on a dream--yes-- I like the shot better now. Thanks bro.

About your first statement Mike. I can't say it enough. Composition is the language of the subconscious. It doesn't hurt to have a great subject to work with either, but a great comp bypasses the cognitive and speaks to ones gut. I hope that I don't sound like I'm pontificating, but the stuff works--and works repeatedly. And reliably. Photograph compositions, not birds in a way of saying it.

Paul

Thanks. I am not by any stretch a pixel peeper but look at compositions and attention to detail as well. I guess designing, installing and maintaining landscapes at 4 million dollar plus homes as I have for years instills in you a sense of not just looking at the focal point but how everything works together.

When I made the suggestions it was in doing so with the realization that you were probably already aware of the points given. In most of my critiques I will suggest that the poster only look at my observations. Realizing what a personal and subjective nature art is I will never say this or this must be altered. I take a minimalist approach to my editing and try to get it right at the time of capture but if not will keep it warts and all.

Looking forward to your future images.

**paul leverington** · 10-12-2009, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Tracy

Thanks. I am not by any stretch a pixel peeper but look at compositions and attention to detail as well. I guess designing, installing and maintaining landscapes at 4 million dollar plus homes as I have for years instills in you a sense of not just looking at the focal point but how everything works together.

When I made the suggestions it was in doing so with the realization that you were probably already aware of the points given. In most of my critiques I will suggest that the poster only look at my observations. Realizing what a personal and subjective nature art is I will never say this or this must be altered. I take a minimalist approach to my editing and try to get it right at the time of capture but if not will keep it warts and all.

Looking forward to your future images.

Landscaping is all about visual composition and thats certainly going to help your photography Mike, I would have to believe. All those colors, transitions, groups, lines and on top of that as the year progresses the whole thing keeps changing! It's a lot of fun I bet--at least the dreaming part--not maybe the digging.

Worry not about your suggestions Mike, it's all good in the end--keep em coming--they're good for me.

Paul

Fabs Forns · 10-12-2009, 03:49 PM

I am very glad you are sharing your unique images with us, they sure are humbling :)

**paul leverington** · 10-12-2009, 04:13 PM

Hello Fabiola--I was pretty sure you had seen them before. I'm finding getting older to be a VERY humbling expirience now that you mentioned it.

Paul

Fabs Forns · 10-12-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by paul leverington

Hello Fabiola--I was pretty sure you had seen them before. I'm finding getting older to be a VERY humbling expirience now that you mentioned it.

Paul

Shhhhhhh, we are just getting better :)

**paul leverington** · 10-12-2009, 07:40 PM

yeah....That's it!!!

**Danny Laredo** · 10-13-2009, 07:52 AM

The snow and snow flakes really take this image over the top. Very poweful and very dramatic image.

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