This is the same guy from my last two posts. I like the blurred leaves floating in the BG. Light conditions weren't great but this was taken in the shade. Wish I had a flash in situations like this. Went back early yesterday morning to find him in nice light but he didn't show up until just before 11AM, Light was much too harsh for anything. Maybe next time.;)
I cloned out two twigs here, one merging on the top of his head and the other his back. Not sure how good of a job I did because I've been starring at it too long. Also had to lighten a few shadows here and there on his plumage. This is about 75% of original FF. Let me know what you think. All C/C appreciated.
Canon EOS 50D
Aperture-Priority AE
Tv 1/320
Av 8.0
Evaluative Metering
Exposure Comp +1
ISO 400
Tamron 200-500mm
Focal Length 500mm
Hand Held (as always;))
I like the eye contact. You correctly point out that fill flash would have helped. I probably would have gone with more +EC here. Wish the angle weren't quite so steep.
I like the look back stare Brian, and you have done well considering he was in the shade. At least you can hopefully see him again. BTW, even in harsh light, I would have tried a shot or too - you never know what you can do in your pp work.
Good advice above. The combination of fill flash and/or more + EC would have really helped this image. I did a few minor tweaks to simulate that effect. The noise has really come up, since the bird was underexposed, but I think the potential for improvement with more EC and flash is evident.
I also adjusted the color temp and hue slightly, as the shade caused it to be too cool, and there was a green cast, esp. around the eye/bill area.
I did mention the increased noise, and wasn't proposing my repost as an acceptable final image, rather I was trying to illustrate what could have been possible (minus the noise) with the proper EC originally, and/or fill flash. Sorry if I wasn't clear in my repost. :)
Shoot in manual exposure Brian would be my first recomendation. If necessary carry one of those targets that have white, black, and gray swatchs and set your camera to that. Especially the way to go on cloudier days, but also even consistant sunny days. Anyways, once you get used to it, it's way simpler than the automatic modes except in fast changing light conditions. Or maybe you do shoot normally in manual--just thought I'd mention it though. Disregard if I'm behind the times. Very handsome guy--crop in and eliminate some of the very bright bg I also would recommend as an idea. Is this the one from Tombstone?
Stuart, I did take a few images of him in the harsh light, I can never help myself.;)
Randy, thanks for the rework. I don't own a flash and when I seen him so close to me I panicked and didn't bother checking my settings till after he flew off. I found him again and got pretty close but these were the only head shots I had of him.
Paul, I usually do shoot in manual unless I know the BG will be changing as I was expecting some BIF images before I noticed him perched. And yes Sir, this is the gate keeper at the local graveyard.:D
Hi Brian: I like the exposure on Randy's repost. I would personally consider removing the leaf near the bird's beak b/c that one appears to be the most distracting. Riverting look you captured here.
Red-tailed Hawk Portrait
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