Cape Griffon

[Betsie Storm]

This is my first post and a "test image". Image taken at Giant's Castle a few weeks ago; overcast weather with good wind and lots of Cape vultures circling and landing.

Minor PS adjustments, cropping and sharpening.

Comments and crits very welcome, I have lots to learn!

Thx Betsie

EXIF:
Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows
Date/Time: 2009:10:12 12:06:32
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 4.5
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 250
Lens: EF500mm f/4.5L USM
Focal length: 500mm

[Clement Francis]

One amazing vulture picture this. The place looks very surreal. Did you get any Bearded Vulture image here ?

[Betsie Storm]

Thanks Clement. Yes, we were exceptionally lucky with bearded vultures and I got a few I like very much; I will post some over the next few days. We also saw jackal buzzard, raven and smaller guys like redwinged starling and familiar chat. Giant's Castle is a wonderful place with a backdrop of the Drakensberg (translates as "Dragon Mountain) peaks in the distance as well as the grass covered foothills much closer to the hide. Betsie.

[Mital Patel]

Welcome to BPN Betsie. fantastic exposure.

[Harshad Barve]

Big welcome to BPN and beautiful image to start with , techs look good here , How I wish big stone was not hiding legs of bird , Killer BG
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Welcome to BPN Betsie. The overcast conditions have helped to soften the light, and I like the pose. If its in your ethics, I would maybe clone away the slight OOF grass coming out of the rock just below the vultures left wing. Killer BG too.

[David Fletcher]

Welcome to BPN Betsie. Fabulous first post. Congrats. Look forward to more from GC.

[adrian dancy]

I like the subtle colours in this. Nice exposure. It would be nice to see the feet but rocks have a certain attraction which makes it OK ...for me.

[Betsie Storm]

Thanks everyone, comments much appreciated

Betsie

[Morkel Erasmus]

another Saffa :)
nice post to kick off with Betsie...great exposure and soft light. I would maybe increase contrast a bit to make it pop more...