Osprey On Nest With Chick

[Grady Weed]

I have not shot in a few weeks due to 150 inches of snow and over 2 feet of ice so far this winter. It is a full time job just clearing the snow. So I wanted to post this image of the Osprey from my Florida trip. I sure wish I was there in the glades right now. We have another ice and freezing rain storm here for the next 2 days. Yuk!

Here are the technicals: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, Shooting Date/Time 1/27/2008 01:13:38, Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1600Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F11, Evaluative metering, Exposure Compensation -2/3, ISO 400, Lens EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM +2.0x, Focal Length 600.0 mm, Image size 3504 x 2336, Image Quality RAW, Flash Off, White Balance Auto, AI Servo AF, Picture Style Standard. 80 % of frame left here and cropped for a 11x17 print.

Please be specific on your critiques for light, crop, comp etc. I was only 45 feet away on the dock at Flamingo. The subject was very comfortable with us. Any suggestions?

[Lance Warley]

I love the catchlights in both eyes, Grady. I don't know if the black line in the adult's eye is a membrane or something. If you have another shot in the same burst, it might be worth checking.

If you have the pixels to do this without losing detail, I would suggest cropping some of the bottom of the nest, maybe a third or so of it, and a little from the left. I think this will put even more focus on the birds.

I wish I had one like this.

[Jody Melanson]

I agree with Lance, the nictating membrane is a little distracting....

[Mike Wilson]

This is wonderful! Love the intimate feel of this one and both of them looking your way. Well done. Hope you have one without the blink.:)