Power Take-off
Our winter resident male Bald Eagle showing his take-off power...
Our winter resident male Bald Eagle showing his take-off power...
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Mar, 2018Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the D. C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery and Archives, here in Spearfish, SD.Time
I took this photo in the late morning of Christmas Eve day. We were a couple days into what would turn out to be a 3 week stretch of at least -20 degrees below zero for daytime highs.Lighting
I used only ambient lighting with a small adjustnent for the suns reflection off the snow and ice.Equipment
This was shot handheld, with a Canon 7D with a Tamron 200-500 telephoto lens.Inspiration
I had been anticipating the return of this pair of Bald Eagles and the winter migration since mid-November. I have spent the past 4 winters photographing and getting to know these majestic animals, and gaining their trust. This photo was taken of the male while he was "playing" and showing off. He has been scratching at the ice, jumping up and down, and flying to his branch and returning to play again.Editing
There was no post-processing needed.In my camera bag
For photographing these Bald Eagles, I usually have the Tamron 200-500mm telephoto on my Canon 7D, and because of their unpredictability, the majority of my photos are handheld. Rarely do I use a mono or tripod. I usually carry a Tamron 70-200mm telephoto with me in the field.Feedback
For photographing Bald Eagles, you can't make any sudden movements, even when approaching them. These are exceptionally situation aware animals, and are keen to all your movements. Patience is a quality you have to acquire. Shots cannot be rushed, and you have to be prepared for anything. Get to know your subject. Learn their signals, they will telegraph when they have tired of your presence (are you too close to them), or if they are getting ready to fly away. Capturing their take-off can produce exceptional shots. Learn their personality. The more you learn about them, and pay attention to them, the more they will reveal to you. Patience is the main key.
