Pepe
Nov, 2013Views
397
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Jaw Dropping
VIP Favorite
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Impressed
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Raptor Trust in Millington, New Jersey. The Raptor Trust is a rehabilitation center for all kinds of birds not just raptors. They have a Focus On Raptors event in which they let a certain amount of photographers get up close to the birds and photograph them.Time
This shot was taken around 10 am on the Raptor Trust grounds. It was taken in March of 2011.Lighting
The lighting was a bit bright that day but I did manage to get some nice shots when the sun dipped behind the clouds for a while.Equipment
I used my Canon 40D and my Canon 70-200mm f/4 L lens.Inspiration
I love all kinds of birds and so when this opportunity to photograph the raptors up close came along I signed up right away. It really was so amazing to see Pepe the red tailed hawk and all the other raptors up close. I plan on signing up for another session in the spring if they still offer it.Editing
Well the background was very bright with lots of distracting elements to deal with. So I erased the background with Photoshop and added this lovely brown earthy texture which I think compliments Pepe very nicely. I also brightened the catch light in his eye. And used the sponge tool in Photoshop to bring out some of the rich browns in his feathers.In my camera bag
I now have a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon 40D. I have a Canon 70-200mm f/4 L IS , a Canon 50mm f/1.4, and a Sigma 18-55mm f/2.8, and my favorite lens is my Canon 24-105 f/4 L IS lens. I also have a Canon 580 EXII speedlight and a YonGnuo YN568EX speedlight. I now carry mainly My 5D and my 24-105 wherever I go.Feedback
Not really much advice to give. The lighting changed quite a bit and I had to keep changing my settings every time the sun went behind clouds. Having IS on my lens was nice. I shot most of my images at 200mm.
