Northern Harrier

[rajivsarathy]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rps_ip/6848906761/

Only postprocessing was horizontal to vertical crop, some dusting, and input sharpening in CaptureNX. Nikon D3, 600mm AFS, 1.4 TC; f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 400.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Please look at the posting instructions on the threads at the top of the forum. When you link the image it does not produce a thumbnail image to view.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...m-Time-to-Time

The composition is fine the vertical works well, IMO too much negative space on top and I might take a bit off the bottom as well. This gives the frame balance and supports the regal pose. I like the DoF on this shot and the shadows on the back and tail, the tonal range changes across the body and this is a strong element in the photo. Though the darks are blocked I find it attractive and it makes the image unique. Nice muted background, beautiful eye, regal pose and overall a compelling picture - thanks for sharing.

[John Chardine]

Super portrait of a harrier Rajiv. Sharp, nice light, and good head angle. The perch is a little ugly. I agree with Jeff that there's too much up top. Just crop about half of the space above the bird. Nicely done.

[Kerry Perkins]

Super image Rajiv! Excellent all around but do agree on the crop suggestions. May be just a tad much sharpening (there is a small halo around the dark plumage), otherwise all techs are spot on. Love the pose and background. Thanks for sharing!

[rajivsarathy]

Thanks for the tips, everyone.