Hovering bald eagle

[gail bisson]

Canon 7D
2.8 70-200mm with 1.4X at 280mm
Manual.
Cropped from a horizontal (landscape) to full vertical.
ISO 400
SS 1/1600
f 5.6
This eagle hovered over the beach for several seconds after being chased by gulls and crows. I haven't seen this type of flying very often and am glad for the nice light I had.
Image taken in December 2011 around 3;30 PM
PP in LR3 and added a bit of canvas on top .
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[Karl Egressy]

The underwing abd body are nicely lit. Nice HA, eye contact and a very different pose for sure. Overall it is a very nice picture, Gail.

[Sid Garige]

Gail,

Techs are good and details too. But IMO the essential symmetry required for a good image is missing here. Good luck next time.

-Sid

[gail bisson]

Hi Sid,
As I am always trying to learn and improve can you explain what you mean by "the essential symmetry".I hope that isn't a dumb question but I think you mean that the wing span on both sides should be the same?
Gail

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice light and a great dark BG, good eye contact and under wing details. The red channel is blown in the head/tail area, I'd try to tame it.

I agree with Sid that the pose is not very dynamic and a bit awkward. I'm sure you got many better files! TFS

[Sid Garige]

Hi Sid,
As I am always trying to learn and improve can you explain what you mean by "the essential symmetry".I hope that isn't a dumb question but I think you mean that the wing span on both sides should be the same?
Gail

Gail,
Yes, you already figured it out.
Probably these images can help in better understanding the concept
http://www.robertotoole.com/galleries/eagle/

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I like it still. Yes wing position could be better and looks a little off but the light is great

[Robert Holguin]

Real nice shot. I really like the light, excellent detail, and I understand what Sid has said, but I would love to have a pic like that in my files.
Well done.

[Blake Cook]

Gail,

Techs are good and details too. But IMO the essential symmetry required for a good image is missing here. Good luck next time.

-Sid

Sid, Your comment puzzles me. We photograph birds as they are and as they do. Gail's marvellous photo displays behaviour I have not seen photographed before and that difference makes it interesting and valuable. The character in the pose is the best part of the image to my taste.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gail, the first thing that struck me immediately in this image, is the sweet light. I also like how you have exposed this, with good underwing detail. We all strive to capture the perfect shot every time, and we all know its not always possible. Im sure you have others in this sequence to share how this guy showed off for you.

[Joe Senzatimore]

I'm with Stuart as to the light. I think your choice of vertical comp. works well. I would like to see the far wing a bit sharper. If it weren't soft I think it would add the balance that Sid feels is missing.

[EzhilSuresh]

Very nice details. A very different (and uncommon) composition. Thanks for sharing.

[Geir Jensen]

I like the images very well. Wonderful light.

[Sid Garige]

We photograph birds as they are and as they do. Gail's marvellous photo displays behaviour I have not seen photographed before and that difference makes it interesting and valuable. The character in the pose is the best part of the image to my taste.

Blake,

I guess our photography tastes and styles are different. good luck.

-Sid

[v.p.nurdeen]

Hi Gail,
beautiful image good details.
VPN