Common Raven

Gallery: AvianPosted December 29, 201093 views6 comments

I have no excuse for how few good raven shots I have. The ravens at Grand Canyon are both ubiquitous and exceedingly approachable. Not only that, they're one of my very favorite birds. Amazingly intelligent and playful creatures, with tons of character. They are always worth watching closely and are full of surprises. So, I'm resolving to get out and shoot more ravens this winter. This is a start, but I hope to do a lot better.

Your comments and critiques are appreciated. Please view larger version if possible.

Canon 7D, 500mm, monopod

f/9, 1/200, ISO 400

Full frame plus added canvas on the right.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on December 29, 2010 at 9:56 PM

Incredible detail and versions of black here, Brian. We can even see some wear on that powerful looking bill too. My only nit is that it seems to be snubbing you and looking somewhere else. Looks like you're going to need to apologize to these fellows for ignoring them so long.

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

Comment posted by Tom Wilson on December 29, 2010 at 10:27 PM

Nice portrait. Lots of detail in a black bird!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 573 Posts, 2211 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 29, 2010 at 11:28 PM

You are off to a great start on your quest to image Ravens. I noticed that they were close and personal in Yellowstone as well. Blacks are very well handled. I like the tight view.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on December 30, 2010 at 12:28 AM

Very nice. I agree that the most common birds are often ignored or under-appreciated, so this is a welcome image. Loads of detail which is quite an accomplishment. I do see a fair amount of blue tones around the head. I don't know if that is natural due to the light reflecting off the black feathers or not. If so, it could be address in post processing. Great image though and you gave me a new appreciation for a bird that some people think is just loud.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on December 30, 2010 at 4:05 AM

A well detailed portrait, Brian. As already mentioned, the detail in the blacks is very good.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on December 31, 2010 at 5:58 AM

Wonderful detail and light on the plumage Brian

cheers
Rob

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