[monoglypha]

I feel these are some of my best to date, please feel free to comment.

[h14nha]

Both really cracking pics Steve, well captured !! I like the excessive stump on the second pic, I feel its texture adds to the shot.

[Steve Schoech]

Indeed, sweet shots!

[Shaggy2070]

Very nice. The Sparrowhawk is very similar to the Bird Guides Picture of the week a couple of weeks ago, also looks like the same post.

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by Shaggy2070

Very nice. The Sparrowhawk is very similar to the Bird Guides Picture of the week a couple of weeks ago, also looks like the same post.

I was in a hide with Rob who took the shot which was potw

[stevo]

2 very good shots,the only thing i`d suggest is not to crop so tightly,to allow more room around the bird.2 shots i`d be very happy to have in my collection though.

Steve.

[Musoman]

Superb detail - really nice. I'd be over the moon with such shots

As noted, the crop on the hawk is too tight and has left the bird staring at the side of the photo edge, making him looked cramped, but thats the only crit for that one

A little extra punch on that gorgeous Owl would make him stand out more, perhaps. Just IMO. But there's nothing else to improve really

[michha62]

Both cracking shots IMO. Pic one i think would benifit from a little contrast boost. I would prefer a slightly looser crop on the second image, if you have canvas available.

Excellent work.

Mike

[Duke Leto]

both superb images but for me its the crop, the spawk is too close to the left and that intense stare right feels as though it needs a little more room on the right. The owl a little tight on the bottom, wish I'd taken these though

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by Duke Leto

both superb images but for me its the crop, the spawk is too close to the left and that intense stare right feels as though it needs a little more room on the right. The owl a little tight on the bottom, wish I'd taken these though

Hi Steve, thanks I have taken the advice on the S hawk, I have re-cropped from the original Raw file and it has made the pic a lot better (not really sure why I cropped it so tight in the first place).
The SE Owl is an uncropped image so I am stuck with it, but I do agree with you a little more on the bottom would have been good. When this bird landed in front of me I panicked a little and was so intent on getting the settings right (with thick fog) that the composition was overlooked.

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by michha62

Both cracking shots IMO. Pic one i think would benifit from a little contrast boost. I would prefer a slightly looser crop on the second image, if you have canvas available.

Excellent work.

Mike

Thanks for your comments.

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by Musoman

Superb detail - really nice. I'd be over the moon with such shots

As noted, the crop on the hawk is too tight and has left the bird staring at the side of the photo edge, making him looked cramped, but thats the only crit for that one

A little extra punch on that gorgeous Owl would make him stand out more, perhaps. Just IMO. But there's nothing else to improve really

Thanks for your reply, I have slightly adjusted the levels on the Owl pic and it has as you said made it stand out a little.

[hampers]

Superb images of wonderful subjects, I am envious!

Phil

[dubaron]

Originally Posted by h14nha

Both really cracking pics Steve, well captured !! I like the excessive stump on the second pic, I feel its texture adds to the shot.

i agree completely and think the first shot could have used a little stump for texture. the cropping is a little tight as mentioned. i love the colors but think they would work well in B&W or desaturated.. those eyes on the owl, oh man.

[apuddeph]

truly brilliant shots, both of them

[MorinC]

They are pretty nice, both of them! Great job, Steve!


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[draycotebirding]

Originally Posted by monoglypha

Hi Steve, thanks I have taken the advice on the S hawk, I have re-cropped from the original Raw file and it has made the pic a lot better (not really sure why I cropped it so tight in the first place).
The SE Owl is an uncropped image so I am stuck with it, but I do agree with you a little more on the bottom would have been good. When this bird landed in front of me I panicked a little and was so intent on getting the settings right (with thick fog) that the composition was overlooked.

With a background like that 4 mins in photoshop can add a bit to the side, (a little longer if you needed it perfect) half an hour or so you could extend the stump too

Regards

John

[stevefloyd]

What camera and lens were you using? fantastic shots both of them

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by stevefloyd

What camera and lens were you using? fantastic shots both of them

Nikon d7000 and nikon 500mm

[stevefloyd]

Wow I have the D7000 but that lens wow wow wow I just got a D800e today so haven't had time to use it but I think the next major investment is a prime lens for sure

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by stevefloyd

Wow I have the D7000 but that lens wow wow wow I just got a D800e today so haven't had time to use it but I think the next major investment is a prime lens for sure

I also have just bought a D800 which I now use with 500mm prime, more from this combination here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_hatch/

[stevefloyd]

Yep they are the photo's for me stunning quality do you hand hold or use a tripod?

[monoglypha]

Originally Posted by stevefloyd

Yep they are the photo's for me stunning quality do you hand hold or use a tripod?

I use a tripod whenever possible but also handhold when needed