spiveydon
FollowPhotos taken in Skagit Valley in Northern Washington State.
Photos taken in Skagit Valley in Northern Washington State.
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Awards
Legendary Award
Hero Award
Contest Finalist in Just Eagles Photo Contest
Member Selection Award
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superb Composition
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Top Ranks
Drawmeafish
April 20, 2023
spectacular capture.....right time right place or did you have to camp out for weeks
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Skagit Valley in Northwestern Washington State. I was on a Bald Eagle photo shoot with three other people provided by Aaron's Tours.Time
The image was captured about mid-morning on an overcast day.Lighting
This was a three day photo shoot and the weather the first two days was very challenging. Combination of snow, rain and constant low visibility. Finally, on third day we got a break from mother nature, and the sky brightened some so I could us the proper shutter speed along and still get good exposure.Equipment
I used a Canon 600mm f/4 prime lens on a Canon 5D Mark III, mounted on tripod with gimbal head.Inspiration
The eagles were very active because the time of year was the end of the salmon spawning and, because they were dying, they were easy prey for the eagles. The most exciting activity was when the eagles fought for the salmon. Usually a more mature eagle wanted the salmon that a younger eagle had. I was watching for those scenarios when I captured this image.Editing
Most of my post processing was done in Adobe Lightroom. I Applied lens correction, raised the exposure some, adjusted the whites and the blacks, and added clarity. I then used a plugin software by MacPhun called Intensify CK for final touches.In my camera bag
Since I am an amateur photographer and generate no revenue from photography, I am a minimalist about what I have in my bag. I have a Canon 1DX, Canon 5D Mark III and two lenses, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II. I also carry a Canon extender 1.4x, a 600 EX-RT Speedlite and a polarizer filter. When specialty lenses are required (like the 600mm prime) I rent them.Feedback
A combination of inclement weather and this being my first experience photographing birds in flight, this shoot was especially challenging for me. Getting the proper shutter speed and the correct exposure was difficult. But the real key was patience. Ultimately these magnificent birds provided many opportunities for good image captures. Exciting shoot, I highly recommend.