Composition Techniques

Leading Lines Repetition/ Grouping

Framing Informal Balance

Formal Balance Rule of Thirds

Low Horizon Line High Horizon Line

High Key Lighting Low key Lighting

Silhouette Angle Up

Angle Down Close Distance

Far Distance Soft Focus

Sharp Focus Selective Focus

ARTIST STATEMENT

The subject of this image is rather prominent, the bald eagle in the center of the picture. The setting you are not able to tell because of the the close distance and solid colored background, but the eagle is in an enclosure at Vermont's Institute of Natural Science. The image was made by being close to the eagle already and then using a zoom lens to get even closer than most people can get without spooking the bird. I utilized the ability I had with my zoom lens to capture the fine feather details of the eagle's face and shoulders. I found good lighting inside the enclosure and a background that wasn't too noisy, but also wasn't plan white and completely unexciting.

The overall composition rule in this image is close distance because of how much the eagle fills the frame and how much detail is able to be seen on the feathers. I could have also argued this as formal balance due to the eagle being so central. I did not change this image at all because of how close it is on the eagle's head. I could have played around with filters, but I found the portrait good the way is was.

The first thing I think of when seeing this image is simply "America." As the eagle is our national bird and an extremely well known symbol of America, this is what comes to mind. The eagle brings along the thought of freedom and independence, equality and harmony between diversity. It relates to me as an everyday symbol talked about in school and all over television. I always believe that nothing is ever perfect so I assure you something can be done to improve this image, but without further thought. nothing comes to mind. I think this is a very strong image.