High Key Kestrel

Gallery: AvianPosted January 22, 2017128 views5 comments

I would have preferred a natural perch, but these guys love power lines. Processed using Lightroom CC (2015) and Photoshop CC (2017) along with Light Craft's LightZone. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 1DX Mark II
Canon 200-400 f4 L IS
f5.6
1/200s
Focal Length 560mm (Teleconverter Engaged)
ISO 200

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 22, 2017 at 10:28 PM

That they do, Jerry. I can't count the number of times I've seen them on the power lines and I can count the times I've seen them in a good position on two fingers. This one came out nicely, without the steep look I usually have when I try to photograph birds on power lines. Excellent job on the exposure with that high key bg.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 22, 2017 at 11:51 PM

I agree with Dennis that this doesn't have that steep look that is normal for power lines. Were you standing on a hill or something else to make it look almost level with you? It's beautiful.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on January 23, 2017 at 9:49 AM

Tough species to get on a natural perch. Good work on the exposure and detail. My eye keeps wanting to level the powerline.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on January 23, 2017 at 10:20 AM

Thanks everyone for the comments. The power line was rather low and I was on the other side of the road, elevated a bit. I agree it doesn't have that "shooting up" look. I was not in a straight on position when I took this. I was off at an angle, and that is why the power line is at an angle.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 23, 2017 at 2:43 PM

More and more I tend to like these sort of high key images when birds are photographed against the sky. The power line is not disturbing me, that's where we often see them ! Nice work, Jerry ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments