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Harris Hawk

© Michael Kelly

Harris Hawk

Uploaded: March 27, 2014

Description

Hawk flight demonstration in Gardnervill, Nevada

1/1600 f5 ISO 200 200mm

Exif: F Number: 5, Exposure Bias Value: -0.33, ExposureTime: 1/1600 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 200.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Kalena Randall March 27, 2014

Michael, I think this is absolutely beautiful!

WTG! #1568163

Elaine Hessler March 27, 2014

You definitely have the bird thing going-I can't find anything that needs to be improved! The feathers are really cool. #11009667

Peter W. Marks March 27, 2014

Would love to have seen this one in the wild Mike but a superb image nonetheless. #11009689

Dale Hardin March 27, 2014

Mike, I agree with both girls, that this is a wonderful image. The look is intense and really gives the bird a regal appearance, and the exposure is spot on.

Even though they are a part of the fact that this is a tame bird, I believe you could clone out the two cords at the bottom of the perch without compromising your image. #11009690

Michael Kelly level-classic March 27, 2014

Thanks so much Kalena and Elaine.

Peter I love seeing them in the wild too. Our Kestrals are back and nesting now so we get to see them every day. I don't take many photos of them because I don't want them disturbed, but we get to observe them several times a day.

Thanks Dale. I will get a edited version up soon. I don't think the cords are a necessary part of the shot either. #11009771

Jeff E Jensen March 27, 2014

I like this Mike, but it feels a bit crowded at the top of the frame. Perhaps a little more room would improve it? Might just be me. #11009781

Jeff E Jensen March 27, 2014

And, I disagree with Dale, I'd leave the cords in. To me, it tells more of a story. #11009782

Michael Kelly level-classic March 28, 2014

Thanks Jeff. Yes it might be just a touch close.

These two versions are your suggestion to add more space and the same one with the cords cloned.

What is the consensous for the best of the three? #11010138

Michael Kelly level-classic March 28, 2014

Oops forgot to add I like them both better than the original, but slightly prefer the cords in. #11010141

Debbie E. Payne March 28, 2014

We think alike, Michael. I would definitely leave the cords in because there is too much around the birds feet to clone out. It is a bit tight at the top and that would be an easy, easy fix with all that blue sky. Awesome image. I want to go on another Hawkquest meet-up one day. #11010158

Dale Hardin March 28, 2014

After seeing the change, I agree on leaving the cords in as they help lead the eye up to the bird. #11010168

Peter W. Marks March 28, 2014

Leave the image just as it was in the original Mike. It was worth playing with the cord business I guess but as the whole setup of cord, rings, astroturf on a chunk of wood, tells us, this is not a shot out in the wilds. As for the head- room comments- yeh, sure, that would be what "Beginners Photo Composition 101" would tell us bu the way you have composed it gives me perhaps a greater sense of a magnificant raptor perched way up there surveying his kingdom. #11010241

Rita K. Connell level-classic March 29, 2014

what an awesome capture of this lovely hawk. wonderful details as always. I really like jeff suggestion image the best. #11011657

Michael Kelly level-classic March 29, 2014

Thank you Debbie yes I think the cords should be in as Dale's last comment even agrees. Thanks for the additional input Dale.

Peter very interesting take. I did have more room at the top on this shot as seen in the edits, but my original comp was set to emphasize the height. The low camera angle just seemed to lend itself to placing him near the top of the frame. However, I am always willing to listen to what the rest of the group sees so perhaps it was just a bit too tight. You make a great point though so I will have to think on the original or the edit as I am thinking about putting this in the contest as my first entry in a long time.

Thank you Rita. Your comment makes my choice of the original or edit even more difficult. I may flip a coin.
#11012101

Beth Spencer March 30, 2014

What an amazing and beautiful bird! I agree leave the cords in, this is a Great Capture and love the regal look. I am not sure about the head room! #11013069

Michael Kelly level-classic March 31, 2014

Thank you Beth. He was very beautiful and we enjoyed watching him in action. A number of the group even got to hold him. #11014263

Sherran Andersen level-classic April 04, 2014

I like this... think I would leave the cords in too...how far away were you? #11017633

Michael Kelly level-classic April 04, 2014

Thanks Sherran. I remember it as about 15 feet. #11017647

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