Raven Portrait

Gallery: AvianPosted February 5, 2010147 views16 comments

Canon 7D, 500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC. 1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 320. Slight crop on the right, added canvas on the left.

Here at the canyon, there is a pair of ravens at pretty much every viewpoint. They are extremely approachable, and I thought it would be fun to try for some portraits. I was surprised by how much I like this shot. Given other options, I probably would not have chosen such a bright background, but it was a slightly overcast day. Now that I see it though, I think it works very well with the black bird.

I really like this shot. I like the pose, the detail in the blacks, and the vivid black/white contrast of bird and bg.

Comments and critiques appreciated, please view larger version if possible.

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on February 5, 2010 at 9:31 AM

I fell in love with the Ravens there, too. They are actually quite interesting physically with their campy facial features and mustache. Detail the blacks is very good. Nice job.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on February 5, 2010 at 9:53 AM

I like it too

They're very intelligent and this one just has that look! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by dan elster on February 5, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Beautiful portrait...The bright backround makes this almost appear as a studio shot. Ravens are at the very top of my list of favorite species to photograph and you are making me want to hop in the car and head to the grand canyon.

Registered on September 23, 2005, 299 Posts, 2443 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 5, 2010 at 11:32 AM

Nice portrait, Brian. Good capture of the intelligence this species has. I might pull the white down just a bit and reduce the reflection from the feathers.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Laura Stafford on February 5, 2010 at 12:49 PM

I think this is a great portrait shot. I like the catch light in his eye.

Laura Stafford

Registered on November 3, 2009, 52 Posts, 375 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on February 5, 2010 at 1:39 PM

I'm another fan of this image, Brian. The reflection of the feathers and the subtle coloration along with a rather noble looking pose, make this quite a testament to the beauty of ravens.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Dubois on February 5, 2010 at 4:23 PM

That's excellent Brian.

Registered on February 22, 2005, 129 Posts, 4739 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 5, 2010 at 7:32 PM

Brian,

Three words...

I love it!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Vance on February 5, 2010 at 8:24 PM

Very nice portrait, Brian. I love the details in the throat. I too. love this subject and appreciate the native mythology that surrounds this gorgeous creature.

Registered on October 31, 2008, 26 Posts, 136 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 5, 2010 at 8:28 PM

I think you've done an excellent job with this portrait Bryan. I like it all and I think you've made the "common" raven look, well... noble. And somewhat aloof. And the two work well together I think

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on February 5, 2010 at 9:00 PM

Brian:
I definitely agree with this statement -
"I really like this shot. I like the pose, the detail in the blacks, and the vivid black/white contrast of bird and bg".

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 5, 2010 at 11:02 PM

A really nice look at the head and beak of this raven Brian

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by James Campbell on February 6, 2010 at 10:22 AM

What a beautiful portrait - you definately captured a "noble" look.. The background works really well and the raven is sharp and expertly exposed. Nice one...

Registered on January 12, 2009, 48 Posts, 377 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 6, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Impressive shot Brian - great detail and I like the regal look

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on February 7, 2010 at 2:38 AM

Really nice, Brian. This is one good Raven shot.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on February 7, 2010 at 11:03 AM

Wonderful portrait. It shows great skill to be able to pull out such detail in an all black bird. Shows too that all black is not the same but has gradation. Nicely done.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments