Bummer. I missed the shot

[Andrew Merwin]

I thought it would be fun to go to school on this image of a golden eagle with a golden eye duck that it had just killed.


Obviously, I missed the shot. My focal point was ahead of the eagle as it launched itself from its perch. I wanted the entire bird & its prey in the frame.


Parenthetically, she was forced to leave because shouting people rapidly approached her to shoot images with their P&S cameras. She was feeling harrassed.


Secondly, I think my focal length was too long. If the focal length was 200-300 mm, I would have more room in the frame to capture the entire bird in the frame.


Thirdly, I forget to take more than one image. I should have held the shutter button down & followed the eagle as it took off. Additional images might have been more successful


The large white area is the ice covered Lamar River. I think it is distracting as my eye is drawn to the brightness.


Live & learn, eh?


What are your thoughts?

Mark IV, ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/400, +0.67 ev, 100-400@400, FF.

[John Chardine]

You know Andrew, my thoughts are to appreciate a beautiful image of a natural event, as is. Yes it could have been better, but you captured a moment, something you may never see again. The image will always remind you of this moment.

(You should have held you finger down on the shutter button, as you say!!!!! People often don't think about zooming as they are making images too. A quick pull on the 100-400 and all could have been in the frame).

[Andrew Merwin]

You know Andrew, my thoughts are to appreciate a beautiful image of a natural event, as is. Yes it could have been better, but you captured a moment, something you may never see again. The image will always remind you of this moment.

You're right John. I appreciate your reminding me of this. I will always remember this very unique experience.

[Kerry Perkins]

Andrew, bird photography is very challenging in many ways. One of those challenges is learning to respond to rapidly changing situations and getting the shot even when you were not prepared. I was mildly amused to hear Artie tell his group at Bosque last time "Push the button! You spent all this money on the gear and then forget to push the button!" Then I realized that I have done exactly that - been so taken by the moment that I forgot to do the basic thing... Your self-assessment is spot on for me. A little bit less lens, a little more to the left, and you would have had the shot. The good news is that the exposure and color rendition look great. I appreciate your openness in posting this shot, as it is a good lesson for all - stay on your toes and be ready for anything!

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks Kerry. I totally agree with your comments. I learn more from the missed shots than I do from the successful ones. These are the things that make photography so much fun.

[Ravi Hirekatur]

Andrew,
What a bummer! I am glad you were able to get at least this shot. I have missed many great moments because I wasn't prepared to shoot when the action happened, or didn't have the right lens. Just being able to witness that would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Good luck next time. I appreciate you posting this image as a reminder to us.

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks Ravi. I did get some images of the golden eagle eating her catch while she was sitting on the ground. But, a really good BIF would have been truly neat. That said, the experience was well worth the trip.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Andrew,This was a unique moment in nature and you were close. As you know, it is important to take many shots when the action builds as John mentioned above. Yes it is true always be on your toes but we all miss some and get some. That is why some say we should photograph every day, it is great practice and affords opportunity. Thanks for posting and next time it will probably be better.Regarding the focal length, since it is almost FF try a close crop on the face area. Some of the best shots are partials and close ups, showing unique placement in the frame. Moreover, experiment with images like this, never know what the viewer might like.

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks Jeff. Those are really good suggestions that I will try. I like the suggestion to photograph every day.

[John Davenport]

I agree with all above. But from my novice point of view doesn't it need more SS?? maybe 1/1200 to 1/2000???????

John D

[Andrew Merwin]

I agree with all above. But from my novice point of view doesn't it need more SS?? maybe 1/1200 to 1/2000???????

John D

Good point—a faster SS would have been better.