Northern Harrier

[Dave McGowen]

I've amazed by the quality here and this is my first post. This Northern Harrier was photographed at Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area in Oklahoma. Nikon 600mm + 1.4, 1/1250, f6.3

[Allen Hirsch]

Welcome to BPN, Dave. What a beautiful bird for your first post!

I really like the wing position (and especially the tailfeathers), complementary BG, and light.
It looks like the beak and forehead could maybe be sharpened a tad more - at this size, at least, they look a little soft.

And I'm sure those who are much better at this than me will say the crop is a little tight - is this full frame, or do you have more canvas you can add back?

[Randy Stout]

Dave:

A big welcome to BPN, a great place to learn and grow as a nature photographer.

I think Allen did a good job critiquing your image.

Excellent exposure, pose, angle in frame.

I agree, needs more space below and to the left since that is the line of flight.

Hope to see more. Please feel free to comment on others images. It is a great way to learn, as it forces you to look critically at the image.

Cheers

Randy

[Bill Dix]

Terrific first post. Love the wing and tail spread, and nice light. Agree about a little more space. Looking forward to more.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Dave,
Welcome to the forums! I like tight crops.....so just tell them that it's a Roman crop! This is a beutiful first post and looking forward to more!

[Doug Brown]

Welcome to BPN Dave! Awesome wing position, light, and sharpness. I'd definitely add a bit more canvas at the bottom and on the left. I might bump the midtone contrast a little. And don't forget that you can post at 1024 pixels wide. Look forward to more of your images!

[Dave McGowen]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the suggestions. I have to say that as a fairly new photographer, this is exactly what I am looking for (a good honest critique). I've just paid my membership and look forward to future participation. Dave

[Randy Stout]

Dave:

Welcome as a new 'member'. It will be one of the best investments you have made, if your goal is to improve your bird/nature photography.

Look forward to more. Don't feel shy about commenting on others images.

Cheers

Randy