Too Close

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
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Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

I was fortunate to catch this Harrier taking off from her perch. She was so close that I was not able to get her whole body in the frame. This is about a 50 percent crop. I was pretty fortunate to get any shots in focus and relatively sharp.

Specific Feedback

Just wondering if this crop/partial image works.

Technical Details

Nikon Z 8, 800mm, 1/2000sec @ f/6.3, ISO 450

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2

David, this is very nice. I like the perspective here with the actual launch view from the ULC in a downward flight… :+1:
We use to have a Harrier coming and going in an open field behind us for a few years. But unfortunately I’ve not seen it quite sometime… :frowning_face:

3

Thank you for the comments, Paul. I really appreciate them.

1 Like
4

I think this works well as presented, David. Since you did crop it, you could play around with the angle of the bird and see if anything works even better, but that’s all I can think of. By the way, this is a her. The males are gray.

5

Hi David - I love this! What a great view of th face and eyes, rarely seen since they fly with their heads down most of the time. The crop works well, and I can’t think of anything that might work better (but I don’t know what you had to work with).
A very compelling image! Excellent catch (and reaction to the close encounter!)

6

Hi David, I like this as presented also. Great look at the eye/face in such a unique perspective.

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@SandyR-B and @Allen_Sparks thank you for the kind comments. Genuinely appreciated.

@Dennis_Plank, thanks for the gender correction. I knew it was a female. Just didn’t think when writing the post. Corrected in the text above.

Thanks again.

8

I think this works quite well, though it’s hard to put into words exactly why. Perhaps it’s the pose, with the downward look. It’s also an intimate appearing flight shot that fills a lot of the frame. Fine capture, David.

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I downloaded your image and was able to increase Micro-contrast and Midtone contrast which added some additional pop and detail to the browns of this female harrier. This is a fine image and love the comp. A very nice image with lots to like about it. Well done and Happy Thanksgiving…Jim

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@Allen_Brooks and @Jim_Zablotny thank you for the comments and suggestions. Jim, I will have to play around with your adjustments. Thanks for taking the time as it does have more pop.

Cheers,
David