The Young and The Ugly?

[Arthur Morris]

This young Black Vulture was photographed from my SUV with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. The lens was supported on the partially raised car window by the BLUBB (BAA Big Lens Ultimate BeanBag). ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop as framed: 1/400 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. When I went from doing Turkey Vulture head portraits to this bird I opened up one full stop; why?

The skin on the head of young Black Vultures becomes progressively lighter (and yellower) and more wrinkled with age; that makes this bird a relative youngster.

For more on vulture photography and to check out this bird's running mate, see Ugly Lessons I here.

Don't be shy; all comments welcome.

[Michael Lloyd]

Whoa (said out loud when I saw this). You nailed this one. If it had fleas I think I could see them.

I love the background. I may have to give my 800 another chance.

The skin on the head of young Black Vultures becomes progressively lighter (and yellower) and more wrinkled with age; that makes this bird a relative youngster.

I thought humans had it bad

[Mital Patel]

Take my Bow Guru ji on this one. Appears like looking through the 800 Glass straight.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks both. I did mention that I liked the BKGRs from the 800 , and heck, Ofer loves them more than I do. And yes, with good technique bhai there is no reason that folks cannot make super sharp images with teleconverters. All you need is good technique in the field and at the computer.... All detailed in ABP II and Digital Basics.

[Arthur Morris]

ps: I do like the TV in today's blog post just a bit better .

[Mital Patel]

ps: I do like the TV in today's blog post just a bit better .

That TV is another stunner Artie. I went more deeply in your possession of working way.

[MohsenVahedipour]

Wonderful portrait with excellent sharpness & details. Pleasing light & BG. TFS

[Ken Watkins]

Art,

In comparison to a young Maribou Stork, this is quite beautiful

Nice shot.

[yogesh_puranik]

wow..superb exposure and grt BG..lovely portrait..

[Jay Gould]

Young - Yes; Ugly - No! I have yet to find anything in Nature (other than man and that is a whole other discussion) Ugly.

Artie, wonderful capture.

[Karl Egressy]

Artie,
This is a beautiful portrait against a nice background.
I think the vultures are handsome birds, especially the Black Vulture is.

[bishancm]

Didn't know 1DMkIV had 3D Feature in them.
Hmmm..Work of Art :)

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool. it looks handsome for a TV!

[Stu Bowie]

Tack sharp details Artie, with a good HA. I do like the colours of the BG, and your pp work rocks.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Wow Art, I didn't expect to see a nice image when I pulled it up as I find these birds very ugly but you really created a nice portrait here with a great eye, nice detail and a pleasing bg.

[Arthur Morris]

very cool. it looks handsome for a TV!

Thanks Arash. It's a BV .

[Arthur Morris]

Many thanks all for your kind words.

[Robert Holguin]

Wow!!! Excellent portrait. Love the background, and super tack sharp.
Well done.