Sharp Shinned Hawk

Gallery: AvianPosted May 12, 2011233 views18 comments

I've been very busy the last couple of weeks, but managed to get out a few days ago for an hour. I'd seen this hawk come through in the evenings a few times, but never in a position to shoot it. This time I saw it disappear behind out pump house. When I stepped a couple of paces to the side I could see it, but it was too far away. Then it unexpectedly took off and came to this nearer perch (an old fence post that's been the perch in many posts before this). I had nice late evening light and was fairly happy with the results of this one.

1DMkIV, 500mm f4 + 1.4TC, Black Widow on Gitzo legs, f8, 1/200, iso 500, Av mode with -1/3 compensation (I still had to bring the brightest spots down a trifle in ACR). Otherwise normal processing. Cropped from 16 to 4.8MP. Taken at 7:50 pm on May 9th.

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on May 12, 2011 at 9:35 PM

And so you should be very happy with this one, Dennis! From a composition point of view, I would move the subject a bit to the right - if this were mine. However, I would dearly have it as-is though, since I haven't got a Sharpie perched yet!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on May 12, 2011 at 10:16 PM

Yes, I would be pleased as well. Looks like a painting!

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on May 12, 2011 at 10:27 PM

Wonderful pose, perch and background in some very nice light, Dennis. A great look at the eye and shins of this hawk. The image is very sharp for the amount of crop. Second KC's suggestion on the comp.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on May 12, 2011 at 10:45 PM

fantastic, Dennis. love the light, pose and setting. agree with the minor comp suggestion, but really a super shot.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on May 12, 2011 at 11:24 PM

Uh, yeah.... I think I'd be happy with this one too.

I like the lighting.....Very nice, Dennis.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on May 13, 2011 at 4:56 AM

A simple and sweet portrait Dennis, excellent detail, great light and background. But, I mirror the comp suggestions.

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 13, 2011 at 7:15 AM

I think the centered comp works here Dennis, with a shift RT an option if possible.
Colors, BG, & details look excellent in the LP version..
I sometimes go a bit too far with that clone tool, but I would consider cloning the lightest three areas of the perch if it was mine, just a thought.
Very nice as posted

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on May 13, 2011 at 9:09 AM

Hi Dennis: Really nice. Sharp as a tack (no pun intended

) Perfect background to enhance the image. I'm not quite sure on the comp either. It might work with a little movement to the right. I would bring the luminosity of the perch down as it competes for my eye. This is a great image and any of would be proud to have this one in our portfolios.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on May 13, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Nice capture and a beautiful bird. Comp could be different, but vertically works well as is. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on May 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Exquisite portrait of this bird. To have gotten him out in the open is probably a result of lots of patience. I always see them among lots of vegitation. Thumbs up, Dennis.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 13, 2011 at 3:28 PM

Great shot- Beautiful expression of the subject on this image- Also excellent detail and BG- I'd try to lower a bit the light on the perch- Awesome image, Fabio

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

Comment posted by David Schoen on May 13, 2011 at 3:33 PM

Very nice soft and warm lighting here. Beautiful hawk.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on May 13, 2011 at 8:34 PM

Lovely detail and light Dennis - it really glows. I'd be tempted to move it right a fraction.

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Craig Strand on May 14, 2011 at 12:59 AM

Top notch shot Dennis, well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Gilham on May 14, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Very nice capture Dennis, great light, detail oof the subject and pleasing BG. I would agree with moving it a bit more to the right, and bringing down the perch a bit. I'd be extremely happy with this in my files. Well done.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 77 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on May 14, 2011 at 1:23 PM

Dennis, I might crop and off-set this from center like Kwan suggest, but this is a terrific image anyway you look at it. I am not certain I have seen too many shots of these guys perched up like this on a mound. Great find!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on May 15, 2011 at 8:50 AM

Great catch Dennis. I really like the composition as posted but yet I wonder what it would look like if you cropped out more of the post. Just a thought, I would be thrilled to have this in my files.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on May 15, 2011 at 2:21 PM

Dennis,
superb image of this hawk. Great light, pose, perch and background. A beauty.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments