The question: I see lots of excellent photos of adult Bald Eagles posted, however, some of those shots show the body and wing feathers as grey, instead of brown. Any idea why some shots look like that?
Very cool shot Tony. I'll take a stab at your question, I think the reflective quality of feathers plus the colour cast from blue or overcast skies probably contributes to this.
To answer the question, first, as I found out, I'd wonder how many people actually do color correction before putting up a picture. Second, I agree with Bob. Looks to me most pictures where the sun is clearing shining on the bird the feathers are brown. But I see many where the bird is near the water on an overcast, gray day and the reflections come off the water the feathers don't look brown. Like the say "it's all about the light".
Tony, you have likely seen more eagles in your lifetime that most of us and for sure more bathing eagles than all of us combined
My guess to 'gray' like look on feathers is also color balance a bit but also now more details and color nuance being pulled from better optics and sensors and improved sharpness to strengthen those colors. The color you are speaking of seems to also come from shots in more extreme coldness or reflecting snow from below.
Your Eagle above shows areas of a slight gray-silvery-blue mixed in with the browns. I don't think our eyes see in flight what we see in our images so they may look a bit odd when viewing to our minds memory?
My .02
Oh, that is some mighty fine detail here and a most unique relaxed pose!
Take care
Karl
Very nice shot and a great question.
I would guess its all to do with the light and what its reflected off. I see on your pic on the back where there appears to be a lack of feathers in places that it looks grey instead of brown.
Martin
eyelaser wrote:
Tony, Tony, Tony...isn't it obvious...if you look at photos of me 15 years ago my hair was brown...now its grey...they are old eagles, that's all
Eric
Hey, I'm older than you and still have hardly any grey, or hair.
