Red-tailed Rising

[Bill Jobes]

A Red-tailed Hawk jumps from the top of a tall evergreen at high noon. Photographed hand-held, leaning against a small tree, with the Nikon D3 and the 600 F/4 VR w/1.4 TC. VR was 'off.'

D3
600 F/4 VR w/1.4 TC
1/2500
F/7.1
ISO 1250

C & C as always welcomed, and much-appreciated.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the takeoff pose, eye contact and inclusion of the tree tops and might desaturate the sky a few points.

[Gary Jones]

Well timed. I like the way the angle of the wing mirrors the same angle of the tree tops. Seems tmo be some light areas on the sky aound the branches, especially the far right branch. Ditto Axel on desaturating the sky.

[denise ippolito]

Bill, I love the take-off and the sharp details. I agree w/ Axel regarding the BG. I like the way you've framed the shot.

[Bill Jobes]

Thanks Denise, Axel and Gary for the great comments and observations.

I agree the sky looks a bit too blue here. I didn't consciously do anything to boost sat on any colors.

I also see the lighter sky near some of the branches, and wonder if all this is related to using the "Save for Web and Other Devices" command in PS3, or something else related to transmission and posting here.

Interestingly, the sky isn't as saturated, nor are there light sky areas apparent near branches in the wallpaper version of the image on my Apple 30 HD monitor.