Happy International Vulture Awareness Day!

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
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Description: this was from my big group of Vultures I got to watch last week. This was on my first day there when the farmer came in the driveway and disturbed them, they were flying everywhere! And so low I could hear their soft wings rustling! When I went the next day I was happy to see the farmer was nice enough to move the deer further into the field so they wouldn’t be disturbed!

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Is this a composite? (focus stacks or exposure blends are not considered composites)

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#ig apani.hill

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The softness in the photo echoes the softness you describe in hearing their wingbeats. It gives a gentleness and grace not often associated with these birds and I really like it. Once I was on a hill (the remnants of an ancient volcano) and the vultures were coming up out of the trees after warming up in the sun. When they passed close I could hear their wings, too, and it’s one of the most memorable natural moments I have. B&W is a great choice for this.

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Thanks @Kris_Smith ! I’m glad you like it, I’m glad you were able to experience this too! It’s awesome to be so close! If I had raised my hand I might have felt a feather!

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I love the luminance you got through the wings, Vanessa. The B&W was an excellent choice.

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Thanks @Dennis_Plank , I’m glad you noticed how the sun was glowing through her wings too! It really shows them off! I’m glad you like the black and white!

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Excellent BW with interesting profile, detail, and eye engagement.

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Love the B&W and especially the backlighting. Really a top shot. Well done, Vanessa.

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Thank you both @David_Bostock and @David_Schoen for taking the time to look and comment! I’m glad you like it and that it works in b&w!

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Very different and interesting – the treatment works well for the crop. It could be nice to bring out the contrast in the face a little more.

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Thanks @Diane_Miller for looking and your feedback! Believe it or not this is not a crop! This is how close and closer these vultures were flying by me! I could’ve reached out and touched them! It was awesome! I think they know I’m crazy about them! :smile:

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Hi Vanessa,

I think that you found your niche with black and white photography. The diagonal of the left wing and tilt of the head make a nice statement for a strong composition. For the BG, the subtle vignette puts the eye up towards the head of the vulture. I like this as presented…Jim

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Thanks @Jim_Zablotny , I’m glad you like it and in black and white! I really love black and white because it seems to bring out texture and tones and shapes more. Not that I don’t like color also. I just prefer b&w. Thanks!