Changeable hawk-eagle
A Changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) is sitting on a tree branch during a safari trip to Satpura Tiger Reserve, India....
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A Changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) is sitting on a tree branch during a safari trip to Satpura Tiger Reserve, India.
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Jul, 2020Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Animal Faces Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
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Outstanding Creativity
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Satpura Tiger Reserve, India, during a tiger safari.Time
This was shot on February 6, 2020, at 11:31 AM.Lighting
Being a winter day, the sun was not so powerful, but at 11 AM it already was pretty high in the sky though, so the light was not the best. I had to compensate with +1 EV in order for the subject to be properly exposed.Equipment
This was shot on a Nikon D500 camera with 200-500mm f/5.6 lens hand held. No other equipment was involved.Inspiration
It was my favorite safari day in Satpura. We went to a beautiful place to have breakfast (my favorite place in all places I've been in India), near a river were we saw crocodiles and a lot a birds. What I loved the most was the scenic landscape with blue water, white sand and cliffs where we sat, eat and drink tea. It was haven. After that we went in search of tigers, but at some point we heard parakeet alarm calls and saw this eagle on the lower branches trying to hide from them. We start taking photos and the next second he gave us this look like "What are you doing, humans? You blew my cover".Editing
I did some basic tone adjustments in Lightroom and some noise reduction and sharpness. I don't like to over process my photos, but to have a natural look.In my camera bag
I use my D500 and 200-500mm f/5.6 the most, so they are always in my bag. I also use my D610 with the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 for landscapes and the 105mm f/2.8 for macro.Feedback
When going in safaris with other photographers in the car, usually you don't have much the time to think your shots, what settings or what composition you want. You can't move too much because you could make the other photographers miss their shots. Also, in these situations you will all end up getting the same images, so you'll have to think fast and adapt. You have to know your camera very well so you can make your settings while watching through the viewfinder. Doing so, you won't miss that special moment which can help you get that different shot. In my case this helped me to capture this moment which the others didn't get because it lasted only for a split second. The next second the bird turned its head and the moment was gone. Many photographers make a shot or two after which they check the image and in that moment the lighting could change or the animal could make an interesting gesture. That moment is special and that's why it matters so much. As long as you have the subject in the viewfinder, never take your eyes off of it.
