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Thread: Golden Eagle

  1. #1
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    Default Golden Eagle

    Taken about 10 miles south of Livingston, Montana in September. Wish the tree had been shorter, but if it had been he probably wouldn't have stood for me getting so close. His mate came flying in over me, and this bird took off to join her (don't actually know which was which as far as gender goes), but I wasn't prepared to capture the takeoff. Gotta get better at that.

    C&C welcome and appreciated.

    D7000, 200-400mm f/4, 1.7 tc, hand held from car (too steep an angle to use the beanbag)
    1/500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Av +2/3, 650mm, distance 30 m, image is full frame
    Cloned out OOF branch intruding from the left and a small protruding broken branch in LLC. Relieved the shadow in eye just a little and darkened the pupil. Light was harsh.
    I'm wondering whether the vertical branch on the right should be removed, or maybe instead remove the middle of the three branches exiting the frame. It's BG to the perch, and could easily be cloned out.

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    Last edited by Ron Sprunger; 10-31-2011 at 12:29 AM. Reason: Additional info

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Ron:

    Sharp, with good exposure despite harsh light.

    +1 on the shorter tree! Lower shooting angle always desired, not easily achieved for these guys.

    For some reason, I am not bothered by the two branches exiting the right side of the frame, but the one leaving the top bugs me. I think you could probably just remove the very top where it leaves the frame.
    In some regards, it acts as a framing element for the bird, esp. since the gaze is the opposite way.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    Thanks for looking Randy. I agree with the framing aspect. Interesting that it's the exit top that disturbs you, but I think I can see that. I'll give a try to cutting it off this evening.

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    Ron, thx for sharing...we dont see many golden eagle shots. i like the perch. good details. with that steep shooting angle, its better to click when the bird is looking down. helps in keeping the eyes of the viewer in the frame. not sure if that opportunity presented itself....my guess is not :-)

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    Kaustubh, I did get some shots with him looking down, but not until he had switched perches to one terribly cluttered. He's in the top of an immense cottonwood tree, and I spotted him from a half mile away. Some day I'll retire, and maybe have a chance to choose my light and angle. For now, it's just shots of opportunity...

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