Playing in Post with this Bald Eagle

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Bird- NPP Bald Eagle.jpg
Bird- NPP Bald Eagle.jpg6000×5877 2.81 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I came upon this Bald Eagle waiting for me in a tree. They seemed like they had a long skinny head and that feature really drew my attention. The look they gave me was kind of like a teenager saying to a mom “Really?” Anyway, I was just really drawn to making this photo feel “dark” or “mysterious”. I wanted to try something different. I have done this kind of edit with my ravens, but they are black to begin with so I feel it flows with them.

Specific Feedback

I just want to know if this works for you or did I go over the top in editing? What are some tweeks you would suggest or does it work or does it look sloppy? Thank you for your time.

Technical Details

I played a lot in Lightroom to create this image (obviously) but the original settings of this picture was f-9, Iso 640, shutter 1/800

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2

I like the treatment you gave this, Rikki. It does evoke a sense of mystery and a bit of the dark side. I might remove the branch that goes backwards at the end of the perch which feels a bit awkward to me and doesn’t seem necessary, especially since there’s a nice dark break in it anyhow. I’m also not 100% sold on the square crop. I could see this with a bit more on the bottom and less on the right, but that may just be me being old fashioned.

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3

Thanks Dennis for your feedback

Bird- NPP Bald Eagle-3
Bird- NPP Bald Eagle-34275×6000 2.25 MB

. Is this more of what you were thinking?

4

Precisely, Rikki. However, remember it’s your image, not mine, so go with what works for you.

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5

Dynamic lighting Rikki that makes for a striking image. Well seen, taken, and processed. I like the edits in the rework.

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6

Hi Rikki
I think the second post works better. My only nit is the whites clipping on the Eagles head. Overall this photograph tell a great story. Nice work.
Peter

1 Like