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Thread: Redtailed Hawk Intermediate Form

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    Default Redtailed Hawk Intermediate Form

    Got him last month down by Utah Lake. He let me approach fairly close in the car, and was perched only about 20 feet off the ground. The light was harsh, even though it was 8:30 in the morning -- we don't get a lot of clouds in the summer. Perch looks for all the world like an arm, complete with elbow and grasping hand.
    C&C welcome and appreciated

    Nikon D7000, 200-400 f/4 VR, 1.4 TC
    f/5.6, 1/500, ISO 250, Aperture +1 ev, 550mm

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I like the vertical comp. Nice blue in the sky and nice HA. This picture ticks all the right boxes for me,
    Gail

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Ron:

    Very good looking individual, yes, a very interesting perch.
    Like the talons showing against the sky.

    Light is holding you back. What type of post work did you do? If no dodging or shadow work, may be able to gently bring up the shadows a bit, especially the eye.

    In a perfect wourld,I would wish the head was turned a bit more away from us, I think it would present better.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    I had done considerable shadow work with the ACR adjustment brush, but not much on the eye. Here's another round, concentrating on the eye, back, leading edge of wing, feet, and the bright feather area at the bottom.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Ron:

    I think this is an improvement overall, but as is often the case, as you adjust the shadows, the contrast goes down. I might try to bring back a bit of the snap to the eye by increasing the saturation and contrast a bit. I know, we complain if the shadows are too pronounced, and then if you correct that, we want you to darken it again by increasing contrast! It is always a balancing act.

    But, every time you work on an image, it helps you learn what balance works best for you!

    Cheers

    Randy
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    Believe me, I appreciate the help. It'll have to wait until Sunday night, as I'm heading south right after work tonight. Thanks so much for taking the time.

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    Nice pose here Ron, and a nice vertical crop.
    The light was working against you, but you did well.
    Dan Kearl

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    Ron, always love to see Raptor shots....very majestic pose. Light does get harsh pretty quickly in your neck of the woods...as you said. I like your repost...my suggestion is to darken the pupil...that small change might make a big difference.

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Ron, good points from above, and your repost does work well. Good all round space in your comp, and those talons look like they could do some damage.

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