Black Vulture Portrait

[Herb Houghton]

Here's a black vulture captured in early morning light. mk IV, 800 f5.6, iso 400, f8, 1/500 shot in manual from tripod/wimberley. I believe there is a separate catchlight on the eyelid, which looks to be almost half closed.

[Doug Brown]

Hi Herb. It doesn't look like a nicitating membrane to me; looks more like the reflection of a hill. In any case, I really like the sharpness you got, and the ruffled feathers too. Light looks a little strong but you handled it well, and it definitely opened up the blacks. I might tone down the brightest parts of the bird a little.

[Stu Bowie]

Herb, excellent detail and sharpness, and I agree the eye has a reflection. With that, I would maybe remove the top catchlight. Maybe a little more room on top.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the detail that you captured in this close-up. Good suggestions from Doug and Stuart.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Herb, I always enjoy tight head shots of these fellows. So much character. terrific exposure and sharpness. Well done.

[Troy Lim]

Hi Herb. It doesn't look like a nicitating membrane to me; looks more like the reflection of a hill. In any case, I really like the sharpness you got, and the ruffled feathers too. Light looks a little strong but you handled it well, and it definitely opened up the blacks. I might tone down the brightest parts of the bird a little.

Agree on the brightness. From the shot if exposure was close to the shot as shown, could have stopped down a bit more to get the tip of the bill sharper as it appears a bit soft to my eye.

[Mital Patel]

Herb,

This is surely a great image. Loved the way you crop and got the light. the bg is complimenting to me.

[arash_hazeghi]

Great pose and details

[Herb Houghton]

Thanks for all of the comments. OK, I agree, it seems to be a reflection in his eye. I did a curves adjustment on the highlights and also removed the second catchlight.

[Troy Lim]

Repost is a lot better. Very nice.