David Halgrimson, APSA
November 2025 - Eagle takes flight
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
This was taken earlier this year. I was at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, it was slow. There were a couple eagles sitting together in a tree near the Bergeson Pool Overlook. I saw them when I was coming down the road, but could not see them once I got to the overlook, so I had to sneak around some trees for a chance at a shot. I tried not to bother them, but once they saw me, one left right away. The other one stayed for me to get this shot.
I made minor adjustment in Lightroom, then used Silver Efex Pro 2 to convert to B&W. In Photoshop i added the sky and clouds, and texture images and blended them for a creative effect.
6 comments posted
I like the concept of using the eagle subject on a textured background. The eagle subject shot is exceptional. I'm not certain how I feel about having the texture only in the background. I think I would almost prefer seeing the texture throughout the entire photograph. I wonder what the original file as a black-and-white with no texture looked like. I bet it is really interesting! Really a good capture of an eagle. Posted: 11/10/2025 19:21:53
David, how creative! The original image of the eagle in flight is well composed and sharp. I like what you have achieved with the textured backgrounds as it feels very artistic/painterly. But, I also think that taking the original, removing the branches on the left and converting to black and white would be very nice and tell a different story. I took the original and used silver efex pro to change into monochrome just to see possibilities. Posted: 11/14/2025 00:34:10
David I think this is a great idea that you have stop one step to short, from the eagle image of would have only used the eagle and found some else for it to land on that was not so invasive and did not look like mush when you applied the textures. The textures work just the foliage is awful. Sorry. Posted: 11/15/2025 12:46:40
I like the eagle and the creativity. The eagle is sharp (eye perfect) and the attitude is taken at a very interesting moment.
However at first sight I was "disturbed" by the foliage that has a different texture. This is also "confirmed" by Paul. Posted: 11/18/2025 13:56:25
However at first sight I was "disturbed" by the foliage that has a different texture. This is also "confirmed" by Paul. Posted: 11/18/2025 13:56:25
David - very impressed with your creativity! Beyond me!
Your wildlife shot is well taken. I can understand you seeking to make the output more artistic is understandable, given the plain sky - Mary-Ann's mono is a good conversion but creates a sort of dull result. But I don't think the sharp bird with the textured rest hangs together. Perhaps it needs a less detailed sky and keep the original foliage. Posted: 11/18/2025 17:01:07
Your wildlife shot is well taken. I can understand you seeking to make the output more artistic is understandable, given the plain sky - Mary-Ann's mono is a good conversion but creates a sort of dull result. But I don't think the sharp bird with the textured rest hangs together. Perhaps it needs a less detailed sky and keep the original foliage. Posted: 11/18/2025 17:01:07
Thanks all, good comments. Posted: 11/18/2025 19:46:51