Patience + RP

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

I decided it’s a bit underexposed. Here’s a tweak:

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_49A8190-Edit-Edit-22000×1507 1.07 MB

Original:

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_49A8190-Edit.jpg2000×1507 1.05 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I haven’t had (or made) time to go bird hunting after the Waxwings ate all the Hawthorn berries and disappeared, but a week ago I went out and came upon this Red-tailed Hawk – high in a tall tree, of course. It was close to sunset and he stood out in the warm light.

Specific Feedback

All comments welcome!

Technical Details

Canon R5, 100-500 + 2X at 1000mm, ISO 800, 1/500 sec, f/13 (wide open). Shadows and Highlights tweaked in LR. Into PS for Topaz Denoise (Low Light mode) and some pruning of errant branches. No sharpening except the small amount in the denoise. About a 50% crop.

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2

Beautiful light, Diane, and I love the perch it chose. I wish it had given you a little head tilt down, which helps relieve the effect of steep angles, but they never do take direction well.

3

I love how the sunlight paints both bird and branch. It’s great how it seems to need only one talon to grip up there. A beautiful perch too - well done!

4

Like the warm light on the hawk and the overall composition with the hawk positioned well amongst the branches and twigs.

5

Thanks, @Dennis_Plank, @Mike_Friel and @Allen_Brooks! I don’t think this comes close to the lovely light I saw, but it’s the best I could do after a lot of fiddling. I love it when large birds perch on one foot, with the other nonchalantly tucked into their feathers and quite invisible. These lichen-covered old oaks can be quite attractive in winter.