Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA  


Alaskan Bald Eagles by Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA

May 2023 - Alaskan Bald Eagles

About the Image(s)

How I did it--PSA friends and I flew to Alaska, Dec, 2005 to make images of Bald Eagles on the Homer spit and meat Jean, The Eagle Lady. She was the only one allowed to legally feed the eagles in the State. Shooting out of Jean’s compound, we had 250 + Eagles in front of us for 8 strait days, what a thrill. My tools for the day, Canon 40D with 100-400 mm IS, f4.5-5.6 lens and Canon 7D with Canon 70-20 IS f2.8 lens. “Latecomer” was made with the later, off hand. My settings were 400 ISO, f8 and 1600th of a second. The temps ranged from 10 degrees to -40. We didn’t pay much attention to the cold as we had the good fortune of wearing out our trigger fingers every day. Our group had so much fun that we booked with Jean for the following year. Unfortunately she passed away 2 weeks before we were to go. She was a special lady and I’m pleased to have had the opportunity of spending time with her. My final gift of the trip was having Jean sign her book.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Eric, to my eye this is an outstanding picture. The capture set up was perfect as it yielded a razor sharp subject with a nice soft background. For me, the "party "is the three eagles on the right. I feel that the way you captured the eyes of the first and third Eagles, together with the landing sequence of the second eagle created a fixation point that holds the eye. I suspect you may not have had much post processing work to do. Either way this is an excellent image and one I would be proud to hang on my wall if I had it. Take care my friend, and keep shooting!   Posted: 05/03/2023 09:37:44



Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Erik, there is no question in my mind that this would make the cover of any wildlife or birds photography. It can not get any better than this. Tack sharp, complete separation of all bold eagles, beautiful colors, action   Posted: 05/05/2023 14:25:37



Bill Buchanan   Bill Buchanan
What a beautiful composition. The Eagle with the spread wings is definitely the center of interest. Your background is soft and not distracting. My only recommendation in your post work would be to use the Auto feature in Adobe Camera Raw Filter. Sometimes it brings out some subtle details in the image.   Posted: 05/08/2023 12:24:01



Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
I remember hearing about her when I was in Alaska last century. She would get up at dawn to feed them. Too early for me until I realized dawn is late in the morning in winter.

As said before a wonderful beautiful photo of an unusual group Eagles. It's nice seeing them getting along, at least until she comes out. Your whites are white and they have detail. I appreciate the snow on the limb which adds to the story and indicates the time of year.   Posted: 05/10/2023 13:33:03



Vella Kendall   Vella Kendall
I remember hearing about her when I was in Alaska last century. She would get up at dawn to feed them. Too early for me until I realized dawn is late in the morning in winter.

As said before a wonderful beautiful photo of an unusual group Eagles. It's nice seeing them getting along, at least until she comes out. Your whites are white and they have detail. I appreciate the snow on the limb which adds to the story and indicates the time of year.   Posted: 05/10/2023 15:24:12



Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Super shot Erik, taken at 'the decisive moment.' The image is sharp and you have got detail in both blacks and whites. Simple composition with plain, natural backgtound. All this under adverse conditions (10 deg to -40 deg).   Posted: 05/12/2023 04:46:41



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
I think you published a shot from your trip to see Jean previously I love the different angles and heights of the birds as already said wonderful seperation which is never easy the colours are wonder with great detail in the plumage,an outstanding nature Image.   Posted: 05/14/2023 10:00:13