Eagle

[Rita]

I captured this yesterday. The bird itself I like but there is something about the image as a whole that I am not sure about. It was quit shady and I was looking down on the eagle. Any suggestions, comments, critiques etc are most welcomed

f6.4 SS 1/400 ISO 800 234mm

[csa mt]

To be able to get such a beautiful closeup on an eagle, I think you did quite an excellent job! The only thing that kind of distracts me, is the tree on the right, but you really didn't have a choice.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Rita

[DavidM]

It's a photo I wish I had taken, and I have taken several eagles.

[Nicks Pics]

For being in the shade, I think the quality of that image is really pretty good. As you said, the bird itself is nice, but if the general appearance of the picture seems underwhelming, it's probably mostly because of the setting. It isn't in front of the mountains or on a cliff etc., but you couldn't help that of course. Perhaps it could also be enhanced with a little stronger contrast or tone curves etc? Saw a pair of eagles yesterday myself, but no great photos to show for it, oh well

[ST1]

Well captured image Rita, just a shame about the right hand side branch which to my eye blocks that side of the image IYSWIM.
Out of curiosity how did you manage to be above the eagle?

[Stagecoach]

Hi Rita,

I'm sure the solutions are that the best bird pictures are where they are looking at you, have eye contact, there is more space in front than behind the bird and the background is uncluttered BUT you captured it which is more than many of us have achieved

Well done.

[Peeshan]

I think you could try and blur the background - not too much though, it would be interesting to keep the environment recognizable. Otherwise I agree with the above

[Shadowman]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the image. I like the fact that you captured the head of the eagle against a neutral background that has colors that contrast well. If you had captured most of the eagle against the tree trunk the image would have been more difficult to render shape and tone effectively.

[Rita]

Thank you all for your feedback.

Carol, I wish I had a chainsaw with me but I didn't

David, I also have taken several eagles but I am happy to say that this is one of my better ones.

Nick, I wish the bg could have been different but I didn't want to pass up on the eagle either. Curves is something that I am not familiar with yet but I will get busy and learn them.

Peter, I was on a high platform over a grizzly compound and when I heard a screach behind me, when I looked over the opposite side of the platform the eagle was in a tree below where I was. It seemed odd because they are always higher.

Grahame, that would have been ideal if it had looked at me but it wasn't cooperating

Pierre, thanks for commenting. The bg was blurred a little in post but I will see what a little more results in.