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through_the_lens | all galleries >> Galleries >> Michael Edwards, USA > Portrait of a Predator
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14-Apr-2012 Michael Edwards

Portrait of a Predator

Shiloh,TN

Last Saturday, I paid the guys a visit, and saw Mom sitting a level above the nest, waiting on her mate to return....and waiting...and waiting...
Since light was good, I backed down ISO, and shot slower than I should, since there was, as usual, no tripod...

Canon EOS 60D ,Canon EF 300/4.0 L plus 1.4 extender
1/320s f/5.6 at 420.0mm iso125 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Frank Kavanagh Photography28-Apr-2012 18:46
Love the feather detail Michael, excellent work.
Guest 27-Apr-2012 16:43
Fabulous capture Michael!!!! Amazing portrait!!!!
Terry_O20-Apr-2012 02:30
I know what you mean, Michael - everything in photography is a compromise. Beautiful shot though!
Michael Edwards20-Apr-2012 00:56
That's lighting, Terry.
She was about 65 feet up a 90 foot southern white pine, about 10 feet above the nest
Her crown was in filtereda spot of bright sunshine, while she cast a shadow, since it was 1 PM local time.
I was tempted to correct it, but I liked the gold of the light filtered through the pine needles , so I left it, pretty much as exposed. Just a little level adjustment and a pretty significant crop.
The other alternative would have likely cost me a blue sky.
Terry_O19-Apr-2012 23:06
An added comment, Michael - I note her head and tail feathers are
not their usual bleached white - it that being caused by the lighting?
Guest 19-Apr-2012 14:17
Perfect pose and expression!
Lennart Waara19-Apr-2012 09:01
Power photo of this great beautiful bird!
Terry_O19-Apr-2012 06:02
How fortunate you are to be able to have such an unobstructed view, Michael.
It does look like a perfect place for a tripod (did I say that???). Nicely
done!
hal 19-Apr-2012 04:02
A wonderful shot of a majestic bird Michael.
A bit risky shooting with a long lens at a relatively low speed,
but you succeeded brilliantly !