This coopers hawk dropped in to check on the birds around my feeders.
1/1250 @ f4, ISO 400, 300mm, 1259PM, CS5, USM, Neat Image.
Backyard Visitor
This coopers hawk dropped in to check on the birds around my feeders.
1/1250 @ f4, ISO 400, 300mm, 1259PM, CS5, USM, Neat Image.
Last edited by LeeFortier; 04-17-2011 at 07:18 PM.
Now that's a nice visitor, Lee! Good and sharp! Maybe a bit too tight on the bottom (clipped the talon), but you could probably fix that in PP. You might consider adding a bit of catchlight to the eye.
nice pose! Several things come to mind. You have white areas in the white plummage that are blown, (R255/B255/G2550) so you clipped the highlights. Need to be aware of your camera histogram clipping indicators, which would be blinking in those areas, and decrease eexposure accordingly. Recovery in ACR might or might not be successful in restoring detail. Worth a try at least.
The DOF needed to be greater to get both feet in sharp focus.
Noise reduction is best used on the background only, and not the entire image. If the subject needs it, only in selected areas. Since digital noise increases as luminosity (brightness) decreases, it is often helpful to select only the dark parts and apply NR to them. The color range command is very useful for selecting dark parts of the image; Color range/shadows, or use the eyedropper tool to select dark parts of the image, then noise reduction. regards~Bill
Nice shot, I really need to move some where where I can get those in my backyard instead of pigeons and grackles.
Agree with the comments above on the toes. What camera were you using? And I'm assuming you were very close to lose dof on the feet with a 300 at F4?
Stan
I shoot with a Nikon D200. I was using a Nikon 300mm f4 af-s. And, yes, I was close. I estimate the bird was 15' feet away. I had very little time to get the shot. So, I couldn' t take time to make many adjustments before the bird left.
The best way to attract these birds is to feed the smaller ones. LOL
I feed heavily and I usually run into a foraging hawk 2 to 3 times during the Fall / Winter / Spring feeding season.
It's still a really nice shot, the detail on the feathers is super.
Lee, nice moment captured! I have similar visits by these birds to check out the fat sparrows that I subsidize.
You didn't mention what metering and exposure mode you were using, but I think you could have gone 1/3 stop less light in the direct sun. You are very close to perfection in your exposure, just need to back off a tiny bit!
I do love the feather detail and pose!
"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson
Please visit me on the web at http://kerryperkinsphotography.com
Hi Lee- We have received many questions about the difference between Coopers and Sharp-shinned Hawks- this image will be the one I refer to when I need an immature Coopers! I like the feather detail too. The eye contact is great.
Great detail and head position. I can relate to how quickly you have to shoot when these visitors come by. We have a juve Red Tailed H. that visits, but I rarely can get close enough before I'm spotted.
Very nice portrait.
Nancy
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