Bald Eagle with fish

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1

Eagle_fish2_7431 copy 2.jpg
Eagle_fish2_7431 copy 2.jpg1449×1500 674 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Photographed in British Columbia near Stuart Island where hundreds of Eagles gather in mid-summer to feast on small Hake fish. Shot from a small boat.

Specific Feedback

General feedback.

Technical Details

Sony A-1 with 300 mm lens and 2x extender ISO 6400 at 1/3200 sec and Topaz DeNoise AI

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1 Like
2

Wonderful catch! The pose of the immature eagle, looking at the fish, and the water splashes, are excellent. A good look at the fish and eyes, and eagle’s eyes. as well. I’d prefer a looser crop here with a lot more room in front.
Well-done!

1 Like
3

Excellent image, Larry. The detail in the eagle and fish is great and it’s a very unusual pose on the eagle’s part which adds a lot of interest. My personal preference would be to give the poor bird a bit more room to move in, particularly on the right and bottom.

4

Wow! An amazing catch with excellent sharpness and detail. No suggestions except a bit more room, but I can see why you wanted to feature the bird as large as possible. The extra-ordinary pose makes the less-ordinary crop work.

5

I agree with Diane about the crop. As the bird is looking backwards, I think the tightness all round works just fine. Our eyes are drawn to the fish, just as the eagle’s eyes are. A luscious BG too. Super shot.

6

Really nice shot. Would like to see a bit more room for the bird, but that’s it!

7

Hi Larry, what a superb image! In my sea kayaking days, I also had some heart-stopping moments with bald eagles in British Columbia. Your photo perfectly catches the drama of it. Even though your cropping might be unconventional, I like the way it concentrates on the action.

8

Sandy, Thanks for your comment and it is a toss up, as I want the focus on the fish and the direction the Eagle is looking. I will try a wider crop and see what it looks like. I have lots of shots with eagles and more sky so this was a unique opportunity.

9

Wonderful catch. Love seeing the eye of the bird with the head looking back. Seeing the eye of the prey adds a lot too. Fine details and exposure. Agree with more room on the right.

10

Hi Larry
Very cool shot of this eagle, the dark brown and whites are well controlled and the eye contact is spot on. How long does the gather last?
Peter

11

I went from June 16-20 and they are at peak from late May- end june but then eagles go north to Alaska where there are Salmon runs in the rivers. Eagles are hunting when the tides are right 2 or 3 times a day and only then reach high numbers.

12

HI Larry
Thank you for the information.
Peter