Teenager with big feet - Osprey juvi

[Randy Stout]

This osprey was imaged in northern Michigan while out scouting a new area. Most Michigan ospreys are fairly shy, but this juvi just sat there and looked at us as we floated by in the Loonie Too.

D300 70-300mm VR at 300mm f/5.6 1/1000 ISO 500 handheld

Post: CS5, selective sharpening, minor perch clean up. Cropped from sides, full frame vertically.

Liked the clouds, so left a bit more to the right to show them off.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Aidan Briggs]

Hey Randy, sounds like you took advantage of an unusual opportunity. I like the pose, comp, and simple perch. The clouds make the BG more interesting. The high angle is not ideal, but you couldn't do much about that. I might try going over the two bright spots on the neck with a clone stamp at 50% opacity to reduce the brightness.

Well done!

[Grace Scalzo]

Randy, been a long day on the computer and my eyes are shot, but I seem to think the head could use a touch more sharpening. Love the clouds. I could see a you adding a bit more canvas up top, just to give him a little more head room. (Totally a personal preference of mine).

[arash_hazeghi]

nice portrait and of the juvi, agree with Grace the critical focus point seems to be on the wing and overall shooting angle is too steep for my taste. TFS

[Dumay de Boulle]

This one doesn't work for me, head looks soft, shooting angle is not great and the image quality as well as all other aspects are not up to your usual standard...I suppose when you usually set such high standards we will call you out on it when they are not there.

[Marina Scarr]

The head looks slightly soft to me as well, and I would give more space on top if you have it. It was obviously a tough angle.