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josephleduc

Bald Eagle

The stare down. Canadian Raptors Center.

The stare down. Canadian Raptors Center.
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NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture f/8 ISO 500 Shutter 1/320 Focal Length 2100/10

upload_date

Dec, 2020

Views

429

Likes

+131

Awards

People's Choice in Bald Eagle Portraits Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+39

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Magnificent Capture

Genius

Superior Skill

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this image at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy near Port Dover Ontario.

Time

The Canadian Raptor Conservancy is about a four-hour drive from where I live but well worth the effort. I took this image in a shaded area early afternoon. Because the Bald Eagle has a light head and a dark body it is best photographed on an overcast day.

Lighting

I always carry a Godox AD200 flash with me when photographing nature and use it with a small softbox if possible. This bird is hard to photograph because of its white head and dark body. I always expose for the white to maintain detail.

Equipment

My camera was a Nikon D7100 I think I used my Tamron 150 - 600. I wanted a close-up portrait of this majestic bird but did not want to get in its face. I used ISO 500 with a !/320 shutter speed. at F8 to keep the face in sharp focus. I rested the camera on a monopod.

Inspiration

I have always enjoyed photographing Bald Eagles they are one of my favorite birds. They always look so majestic and powerful. I wanted to photograph a tight headshot to show its piercing stare and character.

Editing

I photographed in RAW to have lots of data and wanted to keep detail in both the dark and light areas of the bird. I did use a tighter crop and added a curve adjustment and sharpness.

In my camera bag

In my bag which often turns into a wagon of lights, stands, flashes and cameras are always by my side. I have Nikon D850 D750 D7100 and a D300 converted to infrared. For lenses, I have the Nikon Nifty 50 F1.4 Nikon 80 - 200 F2.8 Tamron 90mm macro F2.8 Tamron 24 - 70 And a Tamrom 150 - 600. I used mostly Godox lights for location work.

Feedback

The Canadian Raptor Conservancy is a wonderful place to practice birds in flight. The birds are well cared for and are often rescued from injuries. The outdoor location is perfect to fly or perch a large variety of raptors.

See more amazing photos, follow josephleduc

josephleduc

josephleduc

Bald Eagle

The stare down. Canadian Raptors Center.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow josephleduc

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