Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The Bearded Vulture (a.k.a. Lammergeier) is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, and can only be found in the higher mountain ranges. Two weeks ago I spent a couple of days in the Swiss Alps, and although we saw the bird sparsely, I was able to make some shots that I was happy with, this being one of them. The bird was a lifer for me as well, so the birder in me was happy as well 
Specific Feedback
Any - one of the arm pens was missing, I have a version where I cloned it in, but this feels more natural as it also made me distinguish this individual from another adult bird we saw of the course of the days, agree?
Technical Details
Nikon Z9 with 500mm f4 | 1/2000 | f7,1 | ISO80 | underexposed 1/3EV
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Excellent image quality, Hans, and the little beard tuft shows very well. Great job on the exposure against the snowy background. The missing feather is no big deal. I’d never think of replacing one, to tell the truth. It’s just a common occurrence and they’re replacing them pretty regularly.
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How cool is this!?? You got wonderful detail and a great pose! The missing feather just adds authenticity. This is worthy of a contest entry or publication.
My only very modest suggestion is to wonder about dodging the snow shadows at the right edge and upper left?
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A fine capture Hans and I agree with the others about leaving the missing feather as is. Great wingspread and view of this bird’s snowy domain. Well done.
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Beautiful look at the vulture. Detail is excellent. It looks as if you were above the bird looking down. Was that the case? How far down is the snow?
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Hans: this is a great capture of this high altitude bird which stands out well against the snowy background. The detail and exposure are spot on. The missing feather is of no concern.
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Hi Allen, yes I was indeed above the bird. The snow below would be some 300 meters I guess … but hard to tell, to be honest. Best, Hans
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