Favorite Photo of the Week: Portland at Night and Eagle Eyes

I tried really hard to pick one photo to post as my favorite, but I felt compelled to pick two. In both cases, I felt really proud of the shots I was able to capture and the experience of these moments. I hope you don't mind the double favorites :o).

Portland at Night

Settings: ISO 400, 18mm, ss3.2sec, f/7.1 (full manual, on tripod, tungsten wb)

 

Bald Eagle in a Tree Over Siletz Bay

A leap forward on my bucket list...

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

     

"Every great work, every big accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision, and often just before the big achievement, comes apparent failure and discouragement." - Florence Scovel Shinn

Bucket List: A Bald Eagle in Siletz Bay 2.19.12

There is a place in Lincoln City tucked in the middle of sea side houses where the Siletz Bay moves in and out over the driftwood covered beach. I go to this place every time I visit Lincoln City and I am never disappointed. One of the best parts of this area is the amazing wildlife that I see each time. In past visits I have seen cranes and various sea birds, as well as seals. This time I was lucky to see a bald eagle and even more amazing to capture a few photos.

My dad has a background with birds of prey and his passion has led me to be fascinated with these amazing animals. Photographing a bald eagle has been on my bucket list for a while now and I felt privileged to get this opportunity. I noticed a larger bird flying with the seagulls and being pestered by them. When the larger bird landed I was shocked to see it was a bald eagle. Despite the wind and my telephoto lens being a difficult combination, I feel accomplished to have got this shot before the eagle flew away.

I am pretty pleased with these images, what do you think?

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

I could not resist taking the above photo and cropping it.

I love the texture of his or her feathers!

I think he was checking out the lady with the camera :o)!

Settings: ISO 200, 250mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

And the cropped close up...

"It's a great event to get outside and enjoy nature. I find it very exciting no matter how many times I see bald eagles." - Karen Armstrong