Cape Vulture, Magaliesberg, South Africa

[Chris van Rooyen]

We are fortunate to have a Cape Vulture colony on a cliff face close to Johannesburg. Amazingly, the birds have managed to survive despite ever encroaching urban sprawl. I captured this image yesterday just as the sun was starting to fade. This was one of the last birds to come back from foraging. The late afternoon sun caught it beautifully as it tilted for the final approach to the cliff face, creating an extraordinary effect against the background already enveloped by the shadow of the mountain. I battled to control the whites against the shaded background, but fortunately the Highlight Tone Priority on the MK III pulled me through. The high ISO helped to freeze the action.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:03:24 16:02:02
Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Aperture: 6.3
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 1000
Focal length: 700mm

[Geurt Bloem]

Oh well done Chris and nothing really to add here.
As a side note, did you walk/climb up the Magalies mountain with that kit? How's the legs feeling then:D

[Kirsten Frost]

Lovely lighting and posture you have on this one Chris. Agree with Geurt, your shoulders must have felt it this morning!

[Alexander Koenders]

Well done Chris oldo i think that the light is a little hard.

[Fabs Forns]

Excellent vertical pose on this great bird, the background gives it 3D effect, well done!
Light a bit harsh, but well handled.

[Jim Poor]

Great pose and lovely BG. I wonder if a reverse "S" curve on the bird would help with the light?

[Paul Pagano]

I like this shot very much. Hard light but well done no nits for me.

[Safariguy]

Terrific composition highligted by a great perspective. Ok maybe take the highlights down a notch, but as the saying goes please feel free to donate it to my portfolio.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Garry Coldwells]

What a superb lighting angle Chris.

Mooi werk!

Garry