Swainson's Hawk

Gallery: AvianPosted November 22, 2010123 views8 comments

Hello all.

I'm not sure if I posted this one in the past, but it wasn't in my gallery. At any rate, if it's a re-post, I apologize.

Taken this past summer, this is probably one of my favorite captures (of mine) of this species. I would have preferred not having the shadow, but you take what you can get. I do like the lighting, however.

1D Mk.IV, EF500mm f/4L IS+1.4x, f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 400, spot metering.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on November 22, 2010 at 5:19 AM

Great comp and light Derrick. Some might suggest a slight head turn but i like the way it's staring into the distance.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on November 22, 2010 at 10:21 AM

I love the background and the simple perch. Excellent look at this hawk. I can see why it is one of your favorites.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on November 22, 2010 at 10:30 AM

I like the lighting too Derrick. Interesting comp that works well for me with that perch. The shadow doesn't particularly bother me but I do think a bit of a head turn would make the image stronger. That said, given the light direction you'd probably have lost light on the face so you did the best you could.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on November 22, 2010 at 4:16 PM

I liike the bleak feel made by the stark branch and bg. Seems to fit in with the hawk's intent look. Nice light, also.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on November 23, 2010 at 12:23 AM

I like the lighting and comp and it works well imo that the bird is looking away here. The shadow is a minor distraction. Neat shot Derrick

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 23, 2010 at 5:02 AM

Sometimes the bird looking away, just doing its thing, works well in a comp. I feel that way about this image Derrick. I like the light, BG, and perch. The shadow is not optimal, but hey, you don't not take a shot like this because of something that minor.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on November 24, 2010 at 7:44 PM

Derrick,

I love the clean lines in this image, the colors in the background and the warmth of the light. It might have strengthened the image with more of a head turn but having the bird facing the way it is adds a nice mood to this.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on December 10, 2010 at 4:15 PM

Great capture- Beautiful light, subject and composition- Marvellous portrait, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments