Butch Mazzuca, BPSA
November 2025 - Rüppell's griffon vulture
About the Image(s)
Canon 1DX ??“ Canon 100-400 @400mm ISO 200 ??“ f5.6 ??“ 1/1000th second
Shot in the Masai Mara, Kenya. I wasn’t sure about using this in the DD group because it’s basically static ??“ however, the extended-wing pose is a classic thermoregulatory stance (absorbing warmth or drying its feathers) so there is a story. I converted to monochrome and darkened/eliminated the background for 'artistic simplicity.' I was hoping to create a bit of drama in a ‘static image.’ I look forward to your comments
9 comments posted
Butch, what happened? We are showing birds! Of course this is a strong photo and of course the feathers alone will tell the story. What a majestic picture and an impressive wingspan! And that proud look. I'm not sure if I prefer the monochrome version; would like to see the colored version too! Posted: 11/08/2025 17:06:04
Peter - unclear about your question - a vulture IS a bird - am I missing something? Posted: 11/08/2025 19:58:49
These wings are fantastic Butch! There is really not that much color on a vulture. So making this picture monochrome makes sense. But your photo sames to be brown tinted, than classic black and white monochrome. Posted: 11/09/2025 11:14:17
Thanks Ernoe - I understand, I tried it three ways, Color, BxW and Sepia tinted - the Sepia tinted popped best Posted: 11/10/2025 04:08:30
Butch, I expect you will not be suprised with my Crop! Posted: 11/10/2025 18:19:02
You "expected" correctly - I've always been a fan of the entire animal/bird versus a portrait, but I see your point - would still appreciate comments on how I presented it - thanks Roy
Posted: 11/11/2025 16:47:09
Posted: 11/11/2025 16:47:09
Butch, I really think you did a great job. I like the Sepia. The blending of the brown background merging with the white of the wings, brings my eye to the curve of the leading edge of the wings. Then pulling attention to the serpentine neck and finally to the bird's eye. Its posture tells a story (per Kathleen's remarks) much more than the portrait! Also has much better resolution on my screen than last months post. Posted: 11/11/2025 23:04:31
Butch, I was contemplating why I thought your image in sepia seemed more appealing than B & W. When comparing, the brown tones seem to be more organic and the bird more "alive". The B & W more sterile. Posted: 11/12/2025 11:31:15
I love this image of the vulture, which captures its elegance as well as its somewhat foreboding presence! The sepia tint suits the image perfectly. Vultures spread their wings also to help kill parasites on their feathers. Posted: 11/11/2025 18:37:04