Maria Mazo, PPSA
About the Image(s)
I hope everything is going well with you. Here in the north of Spain, we've been experiencing extraordinarily hot temperatures this year. For this month's image, I've chosen this photograph of a Black Kite that was perched on an electricity pole very close to my house. In fact, I took this shot from my window. Exif data: Shutter speed, 1/250 sec. Aperture, f/9. ISO, 1000. Camera, Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Lens, Canon RF 200??“800mm, shot at 800mm.
3 comments posted
Nice profile shot in what is essentially a high key image. You did a good job of bringing it out of the shadows. I think there's too much space at the top, which is negative and empty space that does not add to the overall composition. Having nothing to do in this case, as this is not a competition, but if your were to enter this in a contest, you might get an argument from the judge(s) because the bird is resting on a man-made structure, which violates the "hand of man" rule.   Posted: 07/08/2026 01:01:13
Maria - the hot air current is affecting most of UK as well - 30+C and high at night (all thinks are relative, but the Emergency Services are very active!).
Nicely presented Black Kite. I would stop the bottom wing touching the lower edge - Lightroom should cope with this fine. And yes, you don't need so much space above the kite. Otherwise very nice image Maria.   Posted: 07/09/2026 13:16:52
Nicely presented Black Kite. I would stop the bottom wing touching the lower edge - Lightroom should cope with this fine. And yes, you don't need so much space above the kite. Otherwise very nice image Maria.   Posted: 07/09/2026 13:16:52
It's hot here in Phoenix too- but at least it's expected here! Nice that you found a cooperative subject "at home".
This is a lovely portrait, I really like the ruffled feathers. Nice job bringing out the details. I like the way that the background tree balances out the bird, even the shape of the edge of the tree mimics the arc of the bird's breast. Good choice on your crop on that side. I do agree there could be less space on the top.   Posted: 07/10/2026 22:18:56
This is a lovely portrait, I really like the ruffled feathers. Nice job bringing out the details. I like the way that the background tree balances out the bird, even the shape of the edge of the tree mimics the arc of the bird's breast. Good choice on your crop on that side. I do agree there could be less space on the top.   Posted: 07/10/2026 22:18:56

