Author Thread

I must say that my appreciation for this type of shot has grown exponentially over the years (I'm a bird lover from way back). I only gave this a 6 in my naivete of the expertise it took to capture something so graceful. Today, it would have easily garnered a 10.



I'm very sorry to hear of demise; however, I'm sure that he has been appreciated the world over because of your essentially flawless capture. Congratulations on your achievement (and his) - I hope that it is some comfort in your grief. [213 favorites is certainly nothing to sneeze at!]



He'll live on through your love for both the subject and photography. Thank you for the privilege of sharing him with us.



Message edited by author 2009-06-03 00:14:37.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I cannot express in words the feelings I felt when I first looked at this photograph. And the second time I looked. And the third. Spectacular Mr. Simon !



I am an amateur wildlife/nature photographer--with an obsession for photographing birds--and take some excellent photos with my Leica. However, my editing skills on the computer are poor and I have not yet even mastered my camera. I spend much time on each photograph and am never satisfied. I am using PSP XI--probably too amateur for the work you accomplish. I do own Photoshop but have much difficulty with the program. So frustating.



Congratulations !

Photographer found comment helpful.

Lowell,



Computers, within the rules of this website at least, cannot alter composition save by cropping. The balance, poise and urgency of this image are very much real, and I believe are the reason this obtained a well deserved average of over 8. To avoid taking this shot or press the delete button would have been greater affronts to photography, not reducing unavoidable noise and background disturbances. If a "great image with terrfic impact" posted on a digital photography website with strict editing rules leaves you "kind of sick to [your] stomach", may I suggest that you're in the wrong place.



Dale

Photographer found comment helpful.

Wow, that stare is awesome and the eyes, piercing.



10

Photographer found comment helpful.

Phenomenal shot. Nicely done!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Truly inspirational shot. Made me want to join the site just so I could let you know how impressed I am. Great photo, superb editing. 10

Photographer found comment helpful.

Originally posted by Lowell Simon: This is a great image with teriffic impact. The computer manipulation is outstanding. The original image however is mediocre. I am still using film and have to take good images to start with. True photography seems to be a lost art and computer manipulation the present and future. Great computer manipulations like this one leave me kind of sick to my stomach.

this type of comment makes me wish i could catch up with lowell in a few years, after he's caught up with the rest of the world and understands how little he knew when he made this comment. this image would have been impossible, had it not been perfectly captured to begin with.

Photographer found comment helpful.

wow very sharp good catch man

Photographer found comment helpful.

Lowell - I agree that digital editing is sometimes very disappointing when it's abused. However, in defence of this particular shot it was one (as acknowledged above) which was a victim of very poor light. This photo is all about the subject, his stance and character. This was the basis of my shot and the element which I wished to capture above all else. In this instance, despite an equally purist stance on most editing (which helps me take better pictures), I accepted that the out-of-camera shot would need my help in post-processing to achieve my vision.

This is a great image with teriffic impact. The computer manipulation is outstanding. The original image however is mediocre. I am still using film and have to take good images to start with. True photography

seems to be a lost art and computer manipulation the present and future. Great computer manipulations like this one leave me kind of sick to my stomach.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I've come back to this photo again and again, - and each time I just see more and more in it. It really is one of the very best photos I've seen in my whole life.

Photographer found comment helpful.

What a stare!!! Truly captivating.

Photographer found comment helpful.

this is the most amazing picture I think I have ever seen!

Photographer found comment helpful.

No problem Digitalknight - the original is here for anyone who is interested in seeing the out-of-camera shot.



I could have used fill-flash for subject like this, but it would have destroyed the subtlety of the light. On checking the histogram I knew that I had all the data I needed, but it just needed to be brought out with some help in post-processing.

Do you dare show the original? :p



It's a beautiful photo, well done.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite photos. Every time I come to the site I have to look at it. Great Job!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Remarkable Texture. I just wondering though did they let you in the cage I 've never been able to rid of the cage in my shots.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Beautiful picture of scarly bird. The small light falling on the top makes it a perfect shot. Congs!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Beautiful picture of scarly bird. The small light falling on the top makes it a perfect shot. Congs!

Photographer found comment helpful.

That is simply stunning. Congrats on a rare 8+ score!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Wow! Amazing shot. You got the composition just right.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Gratitude Update



Thanks again for some kind words - and spending the time to view and consider the photo.



- Peterish, the shot was softly backlit with natural light and there was a lot of shadow on his front side. All I have done is lift some of that gloom with curves and levels. I also deepened the background (which was linear plank panels) to knock them right back and leave him to loom out of the darkness.



That is how I wanted him to look - and how it felt at the time.



Wow, what a captivating photo...that bird scares me. The textures and reflections on the wing feathers look almost surreal; how did you make it like that?

Photographer found comment helpful.

I was so tempted to try to turn this image into an animated gif...it's head just felt like it was moving and nodding.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I can't believe that I didn't comment on this during the voting, I probably took it for granted that I already did since I gave it a 10. This is excellent! Good work at capturing the soul of such a creature. You somehow made an eerie icon look beautiful! The detail, the lighting, the composition... everything is superb! Congrats on the blue.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I have been meaning to comment for a while on this one - I can't believe how perfectly you captured this carrion-eater. He looks absolutely haunting. Best dramatic photo of a vulture that I have ever seen.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Wow Jon, what a wonderful shot!!!!

Another one of yours to add to our "favorites".

Photographer found comment helpful.

Amazing!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Congratulations on your Blue with a well deserved high score for this technically and aesthetically wonderful image! A great capture of an intriguing subject!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Congratulations on this extremely amazing photo!!! And the 8+ score and the blue ribbon, in that order :)

Photographer found comment helpful.

I really love this picture. It is very intense. I think I will make this my desktop for a while, if you don;t mind.



Congrats on a well deserved win!

Photographer found comment helpful.

I didn't have time to vote on this challenge but I did have a quick glance through the thumbnails during voting. One image caught my eye above all others, and it, fine sir, was yours.



Congratulations on your entry into the rarefied air of the 8+ club :).



In case my opinion wasn't clear. This is a ridiculously cool photo.



Though I do have to say... sheesh - that's one ugly animal! Looks like a turkey with a sharp beak and a hunch-back.

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Very intense image!!! The face is so striking against the darker background. Great shot!

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Awesome Jon !! Just Awesome





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ok. Wow. :)

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Congratulations! A very nice shot.

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Stunning and intense image. Congratulations on your blue.

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i owe you an apology....i rated this photo middle of the road....the other day i got a new computer and when i saw this photo won i didnt ever remember seeing it....it turns out my monitor was set too dark probably a child of mine....anyway i was unable to see the details that i now can...wonderful job ...beautiful model

Photographer found comment helpful.

Well done Jon, nice Blue!!



Message edited by author 2005-04-26 19:58:06.

Photographer found comment helpful.

stunning

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I'm so glad this got first!!! This was the most awesome picture I thought!!! It's soooo sharp....but most of all...the eyes....they are scary as hell and you caught it! Congratulations and great job!!! :)

Photographer found comment helpful.

FRICKEN AWESOME!!!!!



iYi

Photographer found comment helpful.

Awesome picture and congrats on the win. I gave it a 10! I had to stand between a few of these and my horse that had passed while I was waiting on the guy to bury her. SCARY! This picture brings back bad memories. So that means you did an excellent job... Looks like he is looking at me. Eeeewwwwww

Photographer found comment helpful.

What a haunting, slightly unnerving connection you have captured here. Unusually strong composition for a bird portrait too and I like the darkness of it... CONGRATS on the ribbon (again)!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Quite a masterful image. There is no dof shortchange here. A great and impressive image because the body contribute to the framing of the head. Well, the tones and textures are just breathtaking and once again the talent of Imagineer rises to the top to claim this Blue prize.

Photographer found comment helpful.

really nice image. Congrats as well on the 8.073 score.

Photographer found comment helpful.

That is one photographs I've ever seen. It is exquisitely executed. Worthy of the blue ribbon.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Gratitude Update



Thanks indeed for the compliments from a great many people I respect here - you're all too kind. It'll take me a month of Sunbdays to respond individually but I'll try to do some profile vists later !



... and Gordon I'm used to drinking Guinness so I'm no stranger to patience. Lucky? Hmmm - looking at some of the images in this challenge I think you're right Mike...

: )

congrats on a blue win, it's a great shot.well done

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Congratulations! It is a spectacular picture and deserves the blue.

Photographer found comment helpful.

"Everything comes to he/she who waits"



Well done Jon and congratulations.

Truly exceptional pic reflected by the exceptional score.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Another Lucky win Lucas!!...well...ok..its not too bad!



:-P





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damn. that's insane. you did a great job. :)

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An amazing photograph. What an awesome expression. Esp. considering how hard it is to get a nice shot of a caged bird without wires and other structure in the background.

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Unbelievable photo. Good work.

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I'm still deaming of the 8 club!!! Congrats on an outstanding image!! Great post-processing!!!

Photographer found comment helpful.

You did really well. I'm glad a photo like this won, it actually contains emotion instead of just being a nice graphic. Good work!

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indescribably good

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Incredible! Glad I'm not a dead chick (or dead guy for that matter - LOL!)

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Gonzo!! u won!

congrats and respect

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Congratulations! This shot is so amazing and deserving of your ribbon!!!

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Oh it's you! Congratulations :)

Photographer found comment helpful.

Fantastic photo, well done, your deserved to win with this one



Photographer found comment helpful.

Great shot! Congratulations!



PS: You took my 20D top-score! Grr ;-)



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Didn't get to this one in voting ... what a shot! Welcome to the 8+ club : )

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Wow, John. Top stuff indeed. That background was what disturbed me, I think, looking at it - and I was convinced this had to be a stuffed bird - surely, I thought, in this kind of light, you just couldn't get this detail on this bird without really being some kind of monster-full time wildlife photographer. Really outstanding. And an 8 ...

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Congratulations on your ribbon, stunning shot.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I knew this was a special picture when I gave it one of my two tens for this challenge. Well done!



Mex

Photographer found comment helpful.

A well deserved ribbon Jon, great shot, what a pose!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Congratulations! I didn't get a chance to vote on the entire challenge, but wow! You've done it greatly. My hat is off.



Chris

Photographer found comment helpful.

Thanks so much for all these heartwarmingly exciting comments! They're what makes it all worth it - honestly. This was a lovely surprise to wake up to - especially since I genuinely believed there'd be a few above mine.



I'm really quite fond of Bladrick now, and after seeing his face so much recently I factually find him quite handsome!

This was my top pick and is so well deserved to win Congratulations

An amazing image

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Congratulations Imagineer!

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an 8 !! so deserved. This is one of the best photos ive ever seen !

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Congratulations on a fantastic picture and a giant score!

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I had to come back a second time Jon.

I am simply astounded at the pose and 3D feel this shot has.

It defies a 2-dimensional plane and has so much depth to it. I doubt this could be reproduced in the best of studios or controlled environments.



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Congratulations! awesome picture

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One of the most STUNNING photo's I have seen in DPC!

WOW to the 3rd Power.

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Nice Imagineer!

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Wow, an 8+ score, congratulations.

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Congratulations on your ribbon jon and a 8 score ;-)



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wow jon, the clarity of this shot is just phenomenal. well done indeed.

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Congratulations on your ribbon.

I didn't expect anything less then that.

It is... WOW... I just don't have any words for this shot.

The most amazing one I have ever seen!!!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Superb shot!!!! You can feel the texture and softness of his feathers. Congrats on the blue Jon.

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Hey Jon! What a great capture! Welcome to the 8 club.

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Instant Fav' ! Talk about impact and ditto to the others !

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Amazing ! Congratulations on your ribbon !

Photographer found comment helpful.

This sure is an amazing shot, you can almost touch the feathers , and the eyes seems to be evaluating how long will it take for them to eat you. Thanks for sharing it with us :))

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what a shot, fantastic

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this IS awesome! well done dude

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Congrats Jon! You managed to find the U-gliest bird I ever saw. :)

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Congrats!...it definetly has the WOW factor ;)

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Wow!

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Incredible photo, and what a score. Well done.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Stunning shot... excellent work, a win well earned... congrats



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Amazing!! Congratulations Jon, this is just superb.

Photographer found comment helpful.

I am without words... never seen something like this before... Just have to say WOW!!! I have seen such a good picture for sometime know... this will go directly to my favorites... it's really hard to get me so WOWED but this picture is just wonderful... gos to my favorites and i hope you will do a print of this... i usually don't buy other peoples work but this one i'll buy for sure... Congratulations on a VERY well deserved ribbon... WONDERFUL.

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This is just an awesome shot. Congratulations, well deserved. Renee :)

Photographer found comment helpful.

Great shot! Congratulations Jon!

Photographer found comment helpful.

Wow. I don't remember this one. Congrats on 1st. Best Score for the 20D



Message edited by author 2005-04-26 00:44:55.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Take a bow Jon.

This one was superb and well deserving of the Blue!



*grumbles under his breath at the 20D...*

LOL

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Yes! Very glad to see this one ribbon. Not surprised to see that it's yours, Jon. Congrats!

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Congratulations on an exquisite image.

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Doesn't get any better, and loved your commentary. Very happy to see you win for this. Congrats!!!

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fantasic shot of an extraordinary creature. a well deserved blue for this great point of view!

Photographer found comment helpful.

well, jon, i see you found a way to improve the shot ;-)

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Wow, past the 8.0 marks! A huge fucking congrats to you man. Totally deserving.

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congrats beautiful shot :)

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Wow - Didn't vote and didn't preview this challenge, but this is simply magnificent!

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Congratulations on a wonderful entry!

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Comments Made During the Challenge

Great shot! Two word comments suck, but I cant think of anything else to say. There is nothing I would change about this. It has quite a presence about it.

Photographer found comment helpful.

Great composition and exposure.

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I would like this more if it looked like a natural surrounding and not a zoo shot! Just the same very well done, great focus. A high 8!

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Gorgeous dark capture. Technically superior, nicely framed. A top three choice.

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Whoa! Very nice. I love the pose. The light reveals the feathers in a very nice way. - In my final top 3!

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Maybe a ribbon, top 10 for sure

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Love the detail you have managed to catch here and the composition is first class.8

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well, this one has WOW factor, in spades. hope you take the blue.

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I particularly like the lighting here. Great capture.

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The detail and lighting is amazing!

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wow, you got close, excellent detail and depth of field, not sure if I like the lack of a bg, this should do well

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Creepy creature but an excellent photograph...8

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Holy Schniekies. Someone's using a good lens here. Not much to say except this is excellent. Zoo shot or out in the wild? Either way, the lighting and pose are absolutely spot-on. 10 from me.

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Stunning portrait. I'm guessing it in the zoo though. Even if it is, it is a great capture!

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Wow! This must be a zoon shot or a very very long lens. Great exposure.

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Ok, I'm starting to feel like I am on the menue here.... Excellent composition, DOF, clarity and sharpness, nice job not losing the focus on the beak. Perfect shot to my view. 10

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Great sharpness, butI would havegone with a tighter crop on the head

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Great shopt good dark background.

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Superb detail and lighting! Very nice composition. This almost makes a vulture/buzzard pretty! Very nice.

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what a cheerfull looking bird

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Well here it is. This is a perfect photograph of this bird. 10

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Photography doesn't get much better than this! This is spectacular, ominous, and powerful..congratulations on an awesome picture..the darkness in background and on subject, the position of head make a formidable portrait....10. I keep coming back to look at this picture: and it is perfect.

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How creepy. Great shot!

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Really an amazing picture. The clarity and sharpness of focus are great. The dark lighting really suits the mood of the picture. I love it! 10

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This is a good photo..full of atmosphere.

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WOW!...the focus in this image is excellent!...I love the lighting aswell as the textures. Good Luck ;)

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colours & clarity superb

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Excellent focus.

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Amazing shot. You�ve done a great job of eliminating background distractions. The perspective, color, clarity and detail are all excellent. 10

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SUPER, definition and contrast, top three for sure

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my clear fovorite in this challenge 10

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This is amazing! Such detail, looks like he is going to jump out of my screen eeek! Wonderful lighting, the eyes are so detailed. Wonderful capture!

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beautiful!!! my favorite so far. 9

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Absolutely incredible detail, and fabulous lighting. 10

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Very good shot indeed.

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I am in awe of this. What a great piece.

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Just incredible, and made me make an awestruck noise out loud when I saw it! It's the colours/ saturation that really makes this special. Very effective deep dof. Wonderful light. A winner.

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Wow, I really like the shot - great capture of the expression of the bird.

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This is really cool. Very creepy bird too. How did you get the lighting so well and yet have a black background? Nice job.. 8

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Wow! Amazing!

It looks like it has "thinking lines" on it's forehead.

So sharp and clear, beautiful colors and light.

The best bird shot I have ever seen! 10

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this is awesome and has a real creepy feel to it. Feels like the bird is looking at me. Excellent shot!

10 !

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Coming back for comments...bumping to 10, adding to favorites. This is an absolutely great shot. Very intense.

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wow. I am impressed. Incredible shot and no blown highlights. Great angle here too.

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Wow. I do love this shot. Stunning, strong.

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Don't know what to make of this at all. The light seems terribly false (looking at reflections in eyes. A hell of an image though. No idea what score to give you.

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W O W!!! When did Art Morris join DPC? I have nothing constructive for you - this image is perfect in every conceivable way. I'm jealous of this shot in a big way!!!

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ooh scarey what fabulous detail and those beady eyes a 10 for you

I can't fault this but cant say I like the bird either

Excellent work

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wow! great capture! 10 good luck

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Beautiful shot with great lighting. I like the solid background and it gives this an eerie and creepy mood. Wonderful!

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If I didn't know better I would swear this bird was right inside my monitor (man is this a sharp pic). Super job! (deserves a double digit)

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Awesome shot.

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This is an excellent shot, I love the intense look on his face, what a great capture!

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extra ordinary!

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ehm, woa! stunning everything

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A W E S O M E shot, my only 10 in the challenge and just WOW. Added it to my favorites and while I don´t want to jinx you, hope to see you on the front page in a week. Love everything about it, great job especially on the lighting and capturing that killer expression.

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Just stunning. I am looking forward to seeing how this was taken. For me, this should ribbon (in a tough field). 10.

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wow, nice one! 10

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I'll give you a 10 and shut up.

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Wow! What an awesome shot! Everything about this is perfect, the focus, lighting, composition - I have to give it a 10!

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Now I know my nightmares have a real-life counterpart!! This guy looks as if he is going to eat all the duck photos in this challenge. Briliant capture of the essence of this bird.

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Oh how incredibly awesome!!! What a shot!!!!!

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yikes, very menacing pose, nice shot

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The light and the colors are fab-u-lous!!!! 9

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impressing

the bird as well as the image

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excellent shot. absolutely nothing could be improved, except to see this ribbon.

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Amazing picture, perfectly framed, excellent composition, nice subtle light...gorgeous.

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excellent buzzard

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wow. nice pix. great color. great comp. barely got the whites in. nice texture.

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great quality!!!

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Wow..!! Great job!

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WOW, who knew such an ugly bird could be made to look so beautiful...

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Wow!!! 10

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Wow!!!

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Very good photograph of a very ugly bird. Title fits. Like the dark colors and I am really impressed with the excellent focus you obtained. Fantastic feather, eye, beak, detail. Excellent composition. One of my favorites in this challenge.

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so far this image is one of the most striking...fabulous! 10