Pierre Williot
October 2026 - Bald Eagle Take Off
Original
About the Image(s)
Title: Bald Eagle Take Off
Equipment: OM1-Markii, OM 150-400TC lens, Hand held
Set-up: 500 mm (1000 mm full frame equivalent), ISO 200, 1/1600, f/5.6, EV -0.70
Post processing using ON1 Photo Raw 2026 including: cropping, denoise, Light adjustments and minimal vignette.
I was walking by the North Eastern shores of Lake Erie when I saw a terribly backlit adult Bald Eagle on a rock. I ran to get my camera, even if the light conditions were terrible - I was not expecting a decent capture.
As I was observing this Eagle, it suddenly took off.
I included the original and processed image.
I am looking forward for your comments.
12 comments posted
Pierre,
Getting a chance to capture an eagle, especially in flight, is worth running for. In spite of the strong backlighting, there is still some detail on the underside of the wings. I notice the EV is -0.7, so that probably didn't help capturing detail on the underside. Did you set it there because of the strong backlighting?
Posted: 10/08/2026 16:12:08
Getting a chance to capture an eagle, especially in flight, is worth running for. In spite of the strong backlighting, there is still some detail on the underside of the wings. I notice the EV is -0.7, so that probably didn't help capturing detail on the underside. Did you set it there because of the strong backlighting?
Posted: 10/08/2026 16:12:08
Hi Dean,
You are right. With strong backlighting, one would normally overexpose to get any details in the shadow areas.
Here, the sun reflections on the water were so strong that most of the image would have been excessively over exposed. I was very happy, despite the circumstances, that I was able to reduce the "shadows" and "highlight" to bring the details back to life. Posted: 10/08/2026 17:03:06
You are right. With strong backlighting, one would normally overexpose to get any details in the shadow areas.
Here, the sun reflections on the water were so strong that most of the image would have been excessively over exposed. I was very happy, despite the circumstances, that I was able to reduce the "shadows" and "highlight" to bring the details back to life. Posted: 10/08/2026 17:03:06
I do like how you have been able to bring out the details in edit. Even the reflections have taken on a star quality. However, in the edit with my knowledge of bald eagles, I would not know if this was a takeoff. What type of detail are you able to retain with some of the rock in the background as a reference?? Posted: 10/10/2026 04:15:57
Hi Diane. Thanks for your comments.
I would have liked to have a reference point, but unfortunately. The rock was a little too far back to keep the image well balanced. My initial image crop was very close the tip if it's right wing. (I was not expecting it to take off right at that point time.
I could have used a generative AI tool to expand the canvas on the top, but elected not to do so.
Posted: 10/10/2026 10:49:48
I would have liked to have a reference point, but unfortunately. The rock was a little too far back to keep the image well balanced. My initial image crop was very close the tip if it's right wing. (I was not expecting it to take off right at that point time.
I could have used a generative AI tool to expand the canvas on the top, but elected not to do so.
Posted: 10/10/2026 10:49:48
Eagles are difficult. I recently spoke to a professional photographer who mainly used 2 shutter speeds: 1000 and 3200. I've tried this and found my photos to be sharper. I do agree with the shadow of the eagle, but I was also distracted by the highlights of the water. Not sure what is causing that. Posted: 10/11/2026 00:30:32
Hi Cindy,
This was a severely backlit image. The water was so bright that it was at time difficult to see the Eagle.
I was very happy with the end result, despite the difficult situation. Posted: 10/11/2026 01:23:02
This was a severely backlit image. The water was so bright that it was at time difficult to see the Eagle.
I was very happy with the end result, despite the difficult situation. Posted: 10/11/2026 01:23:02
Pierre, I can certainly appreciate the problems that you had with the lighting. Despite that, you were able to get sufficient detail in the wings. The action is excellent. Posted: 10/12/2026 15:42:34
Hi Mervyn,
Thanks for these nice comments. Posted: 10/12/2026 20:33:57
Thanks for these nice comments. Posted: 10/12/2026 20:33:57
Beautiful picture of the eagle taking off with a very difficult lighting scenario. I like the way you have brought back detail in the bird. Posted: 10/13/2026 13:19:28
Thanks Jaswant Posted: 10/13/2026 14:35:52
This is a beautiful picture. I do find the bright spots a little distracting but based on all the information you gave us I think this image came out incredibly well. Overall I think it is a strong image. I wonder if lightrooms new ai brush removal could remove the bright spots. Overall I love how dynamic the picture is. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:05:24
Thanks Jacob. Posted: 10/16/2026 16:39:51