In flight shots with homogenous sky backgrounds I need a little something extra to provide more interest. Typically it doesn’t take much.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older photo of an adult Bald Eagle checking out other eagles on the ice below it at Farmington Bay WMA.
I often have an indifferent reaction to plain blue sky backgrounds. They add little if any interest to the photo and provide no hint of habitat. To say that if you’ve seen one blue sky background you’ve seen them all is probably a bit of a stretch but it isn’t a big one. For birds in flight where there isn’t even a perch in the setting to add interest I typically need something else to provide a little extra oomph to the photo. It doesn’t have to be much – just a little something extra to compensate for the blasé background.
For me in this photo that extra something is provided by the flexing in both bent wings, a somewhat unusual flight posture. The effect is enhanced by the very long wings of a Bald Eagle and the good light on most of their ventral surfaces. I have many flight shots of Bald Eagles with blue sky backgrounds that will never see the light of day but this flight posture made just enough difference for me to post the photo. In my view the damaged flight feather on the left wing adds even more visual interest and I love the way that white head and yellow-orange bill stand out against the very dark plumage behind it.
I realize that many of my blog followers don’t share my ambivalence toward blue sky backgrounds but I can’t deny my own.
Ron
Now I know why my dad used to use “9 o’clock” and “3 o’clock” instead of L and R. I looked at the wrong wing for more time than I care to admit. 😂
A very special shot, Ron. You’re absolutely right in saying that there’s a lot of interest in the subject itself, and that makes up for the lack of interest in the background. (Of course, I’m pretty happy with any gorgeous bird in flight!)
Left and right can get confusing around here can’t it Marty. Thanks.
And its white tail fan is spectacular!
Good point, Carolyn.
Gorgeous Baldie! And, except for the damaged wing feather (and the fact that this is an adult, of course), this bird looks brand spanking new with that beautifully polished beak, pure white head and tail feathers, even what appear to be clean feet and talons! And the blue sky background helps to emphasize all of those features, so I’ll take it! 🦅 😎
Ha, I’ll take it too Chris. In fact… I did. 🙂
It is beautiful! I think these days I would take any eagle in flight despite the sky. For me and my photograhy I am tired of birds on sticks or just sitting on the shore. Unless there is behavior or unique light or atmospheric conditions I have stopped taking photos and just watched hoping something will happen.
April, I feel much the same. That’s part of the reason I like behavioral shots so much.
Let’s see, a phone photo of a Bald Eagle flying between houses or this. Yea, no contest. Not to disparage your phone photography.😁
Lyle, I’m actually glad to have both.
There are so many ways to look at a photograph that it’s impossible to meet the approbation of everyone. The Diana A’s comment is the one I prefer. I believe the best way to appreciate an image is to look at it as a whole. I care little about each of the smallest details that make up the scene. What you wanted to show in this exceptional take is the beauty and majesty of the Bald Eagle. You have succeeded in doing so!
Your first sentence is exactly right, Laval. I’m just presenting my way. Thanks.
I’ll take an eagle picture anyway I can get one !
I have a friend who’s also a bird photographer. She’ll say, if only that branch wasn’t there… if only it’s head was more to the left… so I said to her, so what you want is a photo shoot !
Have a good day 😁
Eagle photos are pretty special to me too, Diana.
Powerful photo Ron! Thank you for sharing it along with your view on clear blue skies being a boring backdrop. The bird must be very interesting to make the blog and this one sure is.
Thank you, Kathleen.
I think that in this magnificent image that anything “extra” in the way of added
interest in the background would have actually detracted from the impact of
those unusual wing angles—-to my way of thinking, this is as close to
perfection as it could be. To paraphrase a famous designer/architect–“less
can be more”, and your photo is a great illustration of that concept !
Kris, I agree that elements in the background CAN distract but that’s the advantage of my lens. It’s bokeh is so soft and pleasing that unless background elements are very close to the bird they’re usually not distracting at all.
This is a beautiful eagle shot. The flexing of the wings really does make a difference from the usual outstretched wings. I am always so happy to just get a decent in-flight eagle shot with nothing clipped that I am not picky about the background, but of course backgrounds do matter.
Yes, backgrounds are hugely important. Thanks, Everett.
Beautiful! All attention on the eagle and the beautiful wing position and feathers – “detail” showing in the damaged feather included……..😀
Thanks, Judy.
Ron – I’m so glad you decided to share your capture of this wonderful Bald Eagle!! As for your feelings about nothing but blue sky – it is so you!! We all have things that we decide are acceptable (or not) to us & this is one of yours!!
Thank you, Jo Ann.
I had to look twice for the damaged wing. I looked stage left instead of the gorgeous bird’s left. The angle of the wings is impressive.
Arwen, I have to be careful when wording things like that or I can make the same mistake in my text. Then there’s hell to pay…
Do like the wing positions! They caught my eye right away. I feel the same way about the skies…often times the blue is no better than the white/pale gray ones we have been having for at least a few weeks here!
Thanks, Kathy. Typically I like plain blue sky backgrounds much better than having solid white or light gray clouds back there. High key backgrounds just don’t float my boat.