High key immature Red-tailed Hawk – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 400, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Today I am sharing two high key type images of an immature Red-tailed Hawk I photographed at Farmington Bay WMA. The light was low while I was at the WMA yesterday morning. There were thick clouds and the snowy Wasatch Mountains behind the immature hawk as it perched on a bare branch.
I am aware that these high key type of photos do not appeal to everyone’s personal tastes. Some photographers will even digitally replace the sky behind their subjects to create what they consider to be more visually appealing images when faced with the lighting conditions I had yesterday. Some of them may not have even raised their lens to photograph the hawk.
High key perched immature Red-tailed Hawk – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 400, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
That simply isn’t me. When I have a bird in my viewfinder, I will attempt to photograph them to the best of my abilities no matter what the lighting or weather conditions are.
Aside from that, I believe that the featureless background accentuates and clearly defines the shape, colors, and the natural beauty of this first winter Red-tailed Hawk.
This immature Red-tailed Hawk might not hang around the marsh at Farmington Bay WMA much longer because when spring arrives it may move on to a more productive hunting area. I am grateful that it was perched on the branches of the tree yesterday and that I had the opportunity to focus on it for a few minutes.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
I completely agree with you. The natural white background not only articulates the beauty of the Hawk but, at least to me, it also adds a surreal quality to the image; making it all the more compelling. Thanks Mia.
Great shots!!
Love them and agree with you in not changing the background, I like them natural as they are shot.
I agree with you about the background – and am very grateful that you did raise your camera. Thank you.
I like the look and have a few too. Mia this is the injured girl, she is doing great!
I totally agree – I will photograph birds wherever I find them… and won’t replace the backgrounds. Your high-key photos made the eyes of this immature hawk pop, highlighting a feature that wouldn’t be so prominent with an active background. Yay natural nature photographers!
I agree whole-heartedly, Mia. Life isn’t perfect, but we can appreciate what is good in it.