King of the perch Turkey Vulture

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

462A0244v2.jpg
462A0244v2.jpg2079×1418 1.52 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

A small group of turkey vultures seem to be playing king of the perch, as a new bird would push the one on this perch off of it until another vulture would fly to the perch and push the occupant off. Was able to catch this one just as it took over the perch.

Specific Feedback

I am puzzled why the feathers on the body are not sharper as the head and wing feathers are OK. The beak had a hot spot near the end which I attempted to darken a small amount. How well was this done? I like the position of the bird with it’s wing feathers extended.

Technical Details

Canon R7, RF 200-800mm @ 800mm
1/1000 F-9 ISO 640
taken from my car with the engine off and lens on a bag.

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2

Very nice image, John. I love the raised wing pose and the relatively high key presentation that shows the plumage so well. It’s interesting that we usually see them as black, probably from contrast with the sky behind them. If you have it, I could see giving the bird a bit more room in the frame.

3

Thank you
Dennis. I appreciate your comments. I do have more room, but will need to remove several small branches.

4

Hi John, nice high key look and I like the pose you caught. To my eye, sharpness seems to be an issue in general on the bird. I wonder if the lens was focus pulsing some. My R7 tends to do that at times. Agree with more room around the bird especially on the left.

5

Nice look at a perched vulture, John. I could also see a bit more room and even more perch if available. Good pose and eye catchlight; not sure about the lack of feather sharpness-maybe some localized movement?

6

The pose is very nice and like what everyone else mentioned is adding a little more space to enhance the comp. Sometimes there’s not enough micro-contrast present due to lighting. Try this: Bump up the shadows using Shadows & Highlights, Then try David Kingham’s Micro-Contrast adjustment followed with a boost in brightness & Contrast. That may bring back some of the feather detail. …Jim

7

Thank you all for your helpful comments.