I took this photo in Colonial Beach, VA. The osprey in the picture is the male from a couple which nest from spring to the end of summer, every year, right in front of our house. My grandkids named them Jim and Jane. This particular day, Jim caught a huge catfish, which was way too heavy and had to let it go by the shore. I took that opportunity, getting close to where he dropped the fish, to take several photos. He did not like that at all, and it shows in the way he was looking at me. After a few flyovers, and several menacing looks, I moved away and he came for his catch. This is a photo with which I struggle to make it “right”. It was a very sunny day, blue skies, and Jim was facing the sun. The color picture was fine, but I think that B&W helps to accentuate the osprey. I am still struggling to bring it to its final edit. Any and all recommendations are welcome.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 6 comments posted
Stuart Ord
Yes, if looks could kill, you'd have been in trouble!
I love the pose, the framing, the detail, the texture - all super. You are so lucky having those birds nerby.
The blue sky is a bit bland. You could say it doesn't distract from the bird, but perhaps a few wispy clouds would be nice. If you don't plan to enter it into wildlife competitions, you could clone in some. Just a few.
I think I'd try to lighten the wing and tail feathers a little to make him pop out more, and vignette the corners slightly.
Posted: 11/05/2023 06:14:50
John Roach
Santiago, this image is quite good. I like everything you have done with this. If there was anything more to suggest, it might be to lighten a very tiny bit of the underside of the birds right wing and the tail. Posted: 11/18/2023 12:28:59
Chris Prior
I would be interested to know the equipment and shooting data as that would help me with the point I want to make, viz; I am guessing and please excuse me if I am wrong but I am thinking you may have cropped the original. For me the bird is too tight in the frame and I would like to see some more space around it particularly at the bottom. The eye contact is powerful and the tones and detail in the wings are fantastic. The plain sky does'nt bother me at all as it throws all the attention on the subject. Posted: 11/20/2023 03:39:24
Don York
Good position in the frame. Great detail in the wings and very sharp eyes. I might try for a little more detail in the birds body as the white has hidden some detail. Posted: 11/21/2023 15:38:31
Jerry Snyder
The gesture and the eyes instantly grab my attention. The front lit exposure works well to highlight the chest feathers. I would like to have seen more room between the frame and the bird. Posted: 11/22/2023 15:15:52
Stan Bormann
The fill the frame people would not consider it too tight, but I think even they would like to have a little more space under the bird. I think the image is excellent. While I think the image is excellent the way it is, I understand John's comment about the underside of the right wing. The head and eyes are absolutely amazing. Jim probably knows you well and you are not at risk, but if looks could kill I would be worried. Posted: 11/25/2023 20:21:56
