The Strike...

Gallery: AvianPosted November 12, 2013276 views10 comments

The Strike...

This one from one one of my favourite parts of the coast of British Columbia. My last post showing fairly small subjects (called "The Hangout") seemed to be reasonably well received, so this time I decided to push even further with how small the main subject can be in a shot (and still be recognized as the main subject - I hope!). This go 'round the main subject occupies less than one fifth of one percent of the frame! Supporting cast of unidentified gulls in the sky, along with Rhinoceros Auklets on the water surface.

Subject: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) striking a herring ball
Location: Blackfish Sound, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Camera: Nikon D800e
Lens: Nikkor 70-200mm f4 VR @ 145mm- hand-held from sailboat. VR on and in "Normal" mode.
Exposure: 1/400s @ f8; ISO 100. No compensation compensation from matrix-metered exposure setting.
Crop: Very slight - this is over 95% of full frame

Larger yet version of this image on my website (2400 pixel), plus "the usual" processing details. Just go here...

http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/latest/.

Comments and critiques welcomed - probably best to view the larger version prior to doing so! Will be interesting to me to hear if viewers perceive the eagle as the main subject here (and if their eye went to it first).

Cheers...

Brad

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 12, 2013 at 7:03 PM

A very interesting bird scape Brad. The large version is definitely a must see to appreciate all this image is. The eagle action is a big part of the image, but for me the incredible cloud formation takes up most of my attention.

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

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 12, 2013 at 11:33 PM

I agree, the cloud formation with the birds steals the center of interest from the eagle. Could wish for just a tad more contrast overall. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Runtsch on November 13, 2013 at 5:48 AM

Hi Brad,

The billowing bright cloud on the left side of the frame captured my gaze first. Next, the eagle caught my eye.

This is a pleasant and well-composed image. The wispy fog lends enhances the scene as well. But, a more brightened tone might make the picture pop.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 50 Posts, 445 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 13, 2013 at 7:44 AM

Hey guys,

Thanks for the feedback on this.

John: The contrast is reduced in the mid-plane of the image by the fog in this scene - it's totally natural and an integral part of the scene.

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on November 13, 2013 at 11:19 AM

I would say the whole scene is the center of interest. The clouds, fog, the island, the mountains and the gulls make it an excellent shot. I would call this a sea/cloud/land/birdscape with the eagle strike adding the final touch. Even though I have never been there I would have to say this shot does a great job of capturing the wild beauty of the BC coast.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 13, 2013 at 11:28 AM

Hey Robert,

I agree that this is about the whole scene - that was certainly my intent when I was shooting it. To my mind the eagle is a bit of an "anchor" for the eye (and thus the main subject) and still quite critical to the image. Thankfully the humpback whales feeding on this bait ball were below the surface when I shot this - otherwise I'd have had NO CLUE where to post this!

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on November 13, 2013 at 12:28 PM

I think this is one of those altogether images where each part is just that—part of the whole. Well put together, but composed with that in mind. I do think, for my taste, there could be a bit more brightness and contrast, but that is a matter of taste and I suspect that was the approach you took!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on November 13, 2013 at 6:26 PM

Lovely scene, Brad. I like all the elements, from the mist in the trees to the gulls above. The eagle does add a nice finishing touch. I think my eye was actually first drawn to the bright cloud in the upper left and to me this has more the feel of a landscape of which the eagle is a part rather than the focus. That said, I still like it a lot.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on November 13, 2013 at 7:10 PM

I like this as posted, and appreciate all the elements included. Very well seen! Sharon

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on November 17, 2013 at 10:23 PM

Hi Brad

I like how all the elements of this scene are in harmony. its a moving scene... and a delight to view.
Albert Darmo... canada.

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments