Pierre Williot
October 2026 - Bald Eagle Take Off
Original
About the Image(s)
Title: Bald Eagle Take Off
Equipment: OM1-Markii, OM 150-400TC lens, Hand held
Set-up: 500 mm (1000 mm full frame equivalent), ISO 200, 1/1600, f/5.6, EV -0.70
Post processing using ON1 Photo Raw 2026 including: cropping, denoise, Light adjustments and minimal vignette.
I was walking by the North Eastern shores of Lake Erie when I saw a terribly backlit adult Bald Eagle on a rock. I ran to get my camera, even if the light conditions were terrible - I was not expecting a decent capture.
As I was observing this Eagle, it suddenly took off.
I included the original and processed image.
I am looking forward for your comments.
4 comments posted
Pierre,
Getting a chance to capture an eagle, especially in flight, is worth running for. In spite of the strong backlighting, there is still some detail on the underside of the wings. I notice the EV is -0.7, so that probably didn't help capturing detail on the underside. Did you set it there because of the strong backlighting?
Posted: 10/08/2026 16:12:08
Getting a chance to capture an eagle, especially in flight, is worth running for. In spite of the strong backlighting, there is still some detail on the underside of the wings. I notice the EV is -0.7, so that probably didn't help capturing detail on the underside. Did you set it there because of the strong backlighting?
Posted: 10/08/2026 16:12:08
Hi Dean,
You are right. With strong backlighting, one would normally overexpose to get any details in the shadow areas.
Here, the sun reflections on the water were so strong that most of the image would have been excessively over exposed. I was very happy, despite the circumstances, that I was able to reduce the "shadows" and "highlight" to bring the details back to life. Posted: 10/08/2026 17:03:06
You are right. With strong backlighting, one would normally overexpose to get any details in the shadow areas.
Here, the sun reflections on the water were so strong that most of the image would have been excessively over exposed. I was very happy, despite the circumstances, that I was able to reduce the "shadows" and "highlight" to bring the details back to life. Posted: 10/08/2026 17:03:06
I do like how you have been able to bring out the details in edit. Even the reflections have taken on a star quality. However, in the edit with my knowledge of bald eagles, I would not know if this was a takeoff. What type of detail are you able to retain with some of the rock in the background as a reference?? Posted: 10/10/2026 04:15:57
Hi Diane. Thanks for your comments.
I would have liked to have a reference point, but unfortunately. The rock was a little too far back to keep the image well balanced. My initial image crop was very close the tip if it's right wing. (I was not expecting it to take off right at that point time.
I could have used a generative AI tool to expand the canvas on the top, but elected not to do so.
Posted: 10/10/2026 10:49:48
I would have liked to have a reference point, but unfortunately. The rock was a little too far back to keep the image well balanced. My initial image crop was very close the tip if it's right wing. (I was not expecting it to take off right at that point time.
I could have used a generative AI tool to expand the canvas on the top, but elected not to do so.
Posted: 10/10/2026 10:49:48