Immature Red-shouldered hawk

I think it's GREAT:)

I just posted a very similar one from our fun morning, Dmitry. You used more DOF, and it worked well for you. I think you chose a great background - I was watching for that as we took these. It's going to take me a few days to get all these raptors finished in the digital darkroom.

Off to see what else you posted...!

Really like this shot. Like the dark theme to it, brings a sense of awe. He looks powerful and menacing.

wonderfully done.

cg

Dmitry lovely picture I wish the picture as a whole was just a bit lighter though as to me it is just a bit to dark, but still a very nice shot. Well done.

DK.

Thank you everybody for your comments and criticism!

David I think you are right and overal tone is darker than it should be. Original background was much lighter and I decided to darken it to emphasize the bird, and now I too think I overdid the darkening.

Here is a version with lighter background, I cannot decide which is better, any ideas?

Dmitry, I like the original for the reasons I stated earlier. But I think the lighter version you posted is a better technical photo. Nice muted background and the hawk still holds great contrast and color. The dark areas stand out better and the bird is better portrayed.

cg

Dmitry I like both, But was wondering if you could just lighten the bird a bit in the darker picture? not the background.

DK.