• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

Looking for Lunch

© Michael Kelly

Looking for Lunch

Uploaded: May 03, 2009

Description

Vulture at the SF Zoo
1/800 f7.1 ISO 400 400mm

Exif: F Number: 7.1, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/800 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 400.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Dale Hardin May 03, 2009

What a neat shot Michael. I'm always impressed with the images you are able to get at the zoo. I don't have those zoom capabilities nor the time to do a proper setup and wait for the right shot. When I'm at the zoo I'm never alone and that puts a damper on creativity.

I like this image and the detail as well, and the DOF. Would have been nice if the bright areas weren't right next to the head but not a major distraction because the subject is so powerful. Nice capture and well done.

By the way, have you tried it flipped?
#1122600

Ellen H. Robertson level-classic May 03, 2009

Agree with Dale what a neat shot. Since these poor birds get such a bad rap you do not see many of them photographed. Great detail and he is looking at you as if I am his lunch. #7479434

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2009

Hi Dale. Thanks it was a fun day at the zoo even though I was freezing. Don't know how I kept camera shake out of the shot. I don't use a tripod on critters normally as they just move to much.

I agree on the bright areas. These were right angle paths which I cloned to break up the straight lines but did not want to get close to old vulture here and chance loosing the detail I think makes this shot. I am also including a square crop of his head see what you think of that.

Had not thought of a flip, and I use them often. Here it is and I think it works very well.

Ellen thank you. This one is a ham and poses for shots. I think he has a nice personality, but would not want to meet him while crawling across the desert. #7479564

Esther R. Tinz May 03, 2009

Michael - the V Squared one just cracks me up. Really focuses on how 'ugly' he is. #7480127

Dale Hardin May 03, 2009

Mike, the square crop is very cool. Really shows his details. And contrary to popular belief shows how clean he is. #7480174

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2009

Esther I liked the detail in the close crop, but was not sure that it was enough to make a good shot. With you and Dale both giving a thumbs up I may go with the tight version.

Thank you both for your comments. #7480603

Michelle Alton May 03, 2009

From one Turkey Vulture lover to another (me to you), this is a miraculous head shot! I've been shooting these guys for years...mostly in flight. I'd love to have captured this one! #7480787

Christie R. Bielss May 03, 2009

Wow Mike, this has incredible detail and clarity! You did a remarkable job of capturing this fellow. I do like the square crop too - it really brings out his features. And glad to hear you found him at the zoo......and not flying above you. #7480825

Sharon Lohrmann May 03, 2009

i'm lovin' the square shot with the detail. one of my "dream" shots is to get a group of vultures roosting in a tree around sunsest. here in NJ we have 'turkey vultures' i've yet to get a good shot!!

did you do anything to decrease the noise? or is the 5d just WAY better at reduced noise than the rebel. I took images today with 400 iso and I have terrible noise. I rarely go over 100. #7480942

Jeanine M. Bailey May 03, 2009

The square flip is my fav too! It always amazes me how much of a change the flip can make!!! :) Great work on this Michael!! :) #7481155

Anthony L. Mancuso May 03, 2009

Definitely excellent detail as usual Mike..for the crop I was thinking a rectangle somewhere between the original and the square with his head in the upper left ROT spot in the flipped orientation... #7481232

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2009

Michelle thank you so much. I looked at your gallery and you have some beautiful images! I think your shots with them in flight take a lot more skill than shooting this guy sitting still.

LOL Christie - me too. Thanks so much for your generous support. Most appreciated.

Sharon that does sound like one I would like to capture also. Like I told Michelle it is a lot easier in the zoo, but I am looking forward to seeing that shot which I suspect you will be sharing with us soon.

I checked my PSD file and there is no noise reduction applied to this image, although I do use NR from time to time. Each camera I have purchased in order 20D 40D 5D mark II has had less problems with noise. With the 20D I almost always shot at 100 ISO and had some noise problems. With the 5D I often shoot at 400 like this shot just to give me more range of action and have very few noise problems.

Thank you Jeanine - yes I agree and most of the time I will make a flip as a quick check, whether I use it or not. I did not on this one and if Dale had not pointed it out I probably would have missed out on an easy improvement. #7481255

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2009

Thanks Anthony - we were typing at the same time. I appreciate your comments and the suggestion. I will give it a try and post here soon. #7481269

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2009

Tony's Crop Suggestion #7481397

Kathleen Nealon May 04, 2009

Tony, These are the most fantastic photos of the IMHO meanest looking bird face I have ever seen.

I like the original. The size of his 'shoulders' and body show his strength. And they accentuate the preying nature of his beaky, mean face. #7483595

Debbie E. Payne May 04, 2009

It's a great shot, Michael and I like the square crop the best. Vultures are downright ugly but you did an expert job showing him in a wonderful pose with great DOF. They are almost cute as babies. I entered one in the dreaded month of April, but of course, it was passed over. It was just a newborn in his nest.

Did you say San Francisco zoo? Used to go there often but it was years ago. #7484023

Aimee C. Eisaman May 04, 2009

Michael with the awesome detail that you got on this one I would go for that tight square crop! I can't say I'm excited about the flip. I personally liked it the other way, but you go with what strikes your fancy! :~) Your wildlife photog skills are impressive! :~) #7484332

Vicki Snow May 05, 2009

wow thanks for sharing this...I have never seen one of these up close....handsome fellow isn't he? heehee....as always super image!! #7488430

Aimee C. Eisaman May 08, 2009

Decided not to go for a tight crop? None the less it is a great shot and deserving of the old EP nod from the judges! Congrats! :~) #7500547

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

1

You & 1

Love It!

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Michael Kelly.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. Contact photographer via gallery
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.