troymarcy
FollowI'm blessed to be able to see a bald eagle diving this close but to be able to photograph it is just special.
I'm blessed to be able to see a bald eagle diving this close but to be able to photograph it is just special.
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Photographer of the month!
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 6
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Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
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Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
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William_Harding
February 06, 2016
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
iandouglas
February 18, 2016
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
jeannieolver
February 19, 2016
Stunning photo, truly blessed to have captured it in full flight with the expanse of those awesome wings, congratulations.
p_eileenbaltz
February 27, 2016
This is spectacular!!! Congratulations on all of your awards for your work here. :)
auxgen4
February 28, 2016
Truly AWESOME capture!!! Congratulations on the win and the capture, a dream shot!!!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the Mississippi River near Le Clair, Iowa. It was a very cold day but the sun was shining bright and the eagles were hungry looking for fish in the open water of the Mississippi.Time
I took this image around 4:05 pm as the light was becoming softer and more beautiful, which just accentuates the details of the eagles feathers and adds a little catch light to the eye.Lighting
As the sun lowers in the Western sky it helps make the water of the Mississippi river a vibrant blue providing the perfect backdrop for this diving eagle.Equipment
This was taken with a Canon 7d and Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens handheld.Inspiration
For the past several years I return the Mississppi to photograph these magnificent bald eagles. An American Bald Eagle is known to dive at speeds in excess of 100mph, so it has been a goal of mine to try and capture these birds in various poses including a dive.Editing
Yes, I shoot all of my images in RAW and edit them in Lightroom and Photoshop. I typically try to make sure I bring up the shadows and reduce the highlights in photoshop before finishing editing the image in lightroom, where I add a little contrast, sharpening, and clarity.In my camera bag
In my bag, along with my Canon 7d camera, I usually have my Canon 400mm f/5.6L for wildlife, my Canon 100mm f/2.8L for macro/portrait, my Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L all around/workhorse lens, Canon 10-18mm landscape lens, Canon 50mm 1/8 low light, and Canon 70-200 f/4L for a nice outdoor walk around lens. I also have have my Canon flash, extra batteries, memory cards, and camera strap. I attach my lightweight tripod to my bag as well.Feedback
The Mississippi River along the Illinois/Iowa border is an amazing place to spot these magnificent American Bald Eagles soaring, fishing, and sunning in trees. I would recommend everyone (photographer or not) to drive up and down the Great River Road along the Mississippi to enjoy seeing these beautiful birds. If you are going for photography, dress warm because the colder the better to see these birds in action. Also, target the lock and dams as this provides the most opportunity for open water so the eagles can fish all winter long.