Eagle Smiling into the Sun
I believe this eagle appears to be smiling while enjoying the warmth of the sun on its face. I love finding art in nature!...
Read more
I believe this eagle appears to be smiling while enjoying the warmth of the sun on its face. I love finding art in nature!
Read less
Read less
Mar, 2016Views
2321
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Shades Of Brown Project
Featured
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken on The Mississippi River during the winter months.Time
This was taken later in the afternoon.Lighting
Wit it being winter, the light sets early, so I plan my outings for the afternoon into evening. I was hoping to get an eagle flying into the light to get this effect where the face and eyes are lit evenly.Equipment
When I took this photo, I was using the Canon 7D paired with the Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens.Inspiration
I love nature and wildlife photography and what better wildlife than the Great American Bald Eagle. I try to go every winter to watch these eagles as they congregate along the Mississippi to feed at the locks and dams in the winter.Editing
I try not to go over the top with post processing. I shoot my images in RAW format and edit them in Lightroom. For this image, I did crop some and added contrast and sharpening. I did a slight crop and some highlights and shadows adjustments to maintain the exposure on the eagle's white face yet keeping the shadows from getting too dark. Eagles can be a tricky bird to expose when in sunlight.In my camera bag
In my bag, when shooting nature/wildlife, I would use a Canon 7D, Canon 400mm f/5.6, Canon 70-200 f/4L, Canon 100mm f/2.8L macro, Canon 24-70 f/2.8L, and a black-rapid strap, and a simple tripod (I need a new tripod, haha).Feedback
My advice for anyone wanting to photograph bald eagles in the winter is scout out the spots along the Mississippi River (can be done online). Dress warm...the colder, the better for these eagles. Many times it is -20 windchill when I've had my best days and also be aware of wind direction. If not, you will get a lot of eagle butt images flying away from you as they fish. Finally, be patient and learn their behaviors...they are fascinating to watch and the more you watch the more you learn about how they fly, fish, and interact.
