Eagle in b&w (captive and slightly creative) - repost with more beak space.

I'm fascinated by patterns in nature, and particularly repetitive ones. I've always thought that the feather patterns on the back of golden eagle's heads (amongst a few others species) are particularly alluring. So this is an attempt to portray that fascination, and I decided that b&w might simplify the subject and bring the pattern and detail to the fore.

1DsMk2, 300 f2.8, 1/125 @ f4, ISO 200

As bizarre as this may sound this reminds me of some of those old photographs from the late 1800's of the Native Americans, perhaps it's the similarity between the eagles feathers and their headresses but I think this is beautiful. It's a good idea, well imagined and executed and with the ideal b/w treatment. The only nit that I have would be that the beak seems to be a bit crammed up against the edge of the frame but otherwise I think it's excellent

Cheers

Andy

I like the idea but something about the composition rubs my eyes the wrong way.

Beautiful detailed head and it does make my eyes go a little at first,B+W looks great here but could just do with a tad more room by the beak,another creative beauty John

One of your best shots John,love it!!!!!!
The 300 2.8 works superbly here!!


Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk

Now I really like this one John. I'll bet it works just as well in colour. Simple but very very effective.
Robert

I too would love to see the colour version. Very different, and GOOD!
Regards,
Paul.

Lovely image, really creative and the black and white suits it well.


liam.

I think that creates a superb effect and I like the b&w treatment. I wonder about whether the black border might be a little thinner or greyer .. just a thought though.

superb image and imagination, excellent

Paul Hobson
www.paulhobson.co.uk

Agree on the touch more space but an excellent seen, captured and processed image John.

Different and unique!

Ian

Thanks folks, for your positive responses. Always a leap of faith with these slghtly alternative approaches to nature, and I value your critiques. The decision to make the composition tight was deliberate - I wanted to try to emphasise the 'flow' of shape from beak through feather to the upturning feather on the lower nape/back, which I thought was a lovely 'echo' of the beak shape (but inverted). I had a wee bit free space left of the beak so I reposted including that - I think that does improve it. Lovely birds and I'm sure theres lots more creative stuff to be got from them!