Osprey - First Light

[Bob Blanchard]

Captured this fellow this morning on my way across the Sanibel Bridge. Saw him sitting on a sign frame and pulled off on the causeway to work the image. He had a rather large catfish that he was enjoying for breakfast, and literally let me capture over 200 images from all angles. I got within about 8 feet before he finally let me know he wasn't comfortable, so I backed off and finished my work. He was still there eating when I left. This image is about a 13mp crop, so that tells you how close I was with the 300mm f/4L (using a full frame CMOS sensor, no less). I'm not even close to going through all the images yet, but this was a decent one, so I posted for critique. I can add a bit more room on all sides. I chose to crop above the shoulders, as it looked odd to me with part of them there. MANY good images to choose from in this series, and I love the glow of that first light. Just wish he had been sitting on a natural perch instead of that wooden frame.

Canon 1DsMII, ef 300 f/4L IS, f/8, ISO 100, 1/400, off monopod

[Grady Weed]

One thing for sure, you got decent eyeball there. Feathers look downey soft. I'd say you made out. Post more if you can.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hey Bob,

Excellent opportunity. You did well with the exposure but I do wish to see more room all around.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light, details and exposure control. I particularly like the eye.

[Vincent Grafhorst]

This is close Bob! Nice detail in lovely light you have captured here. Ospreys are not the most beautiful of raptors are they?

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great portait,l like it a lot,nice sharp eye and great light!