Stunning Portraits Capture the Power and Beauty of Raptor Birds in Flight

Studio Portrait of an Eagle by Mark Harvey

British photographer Mark Harvey is best known for his equine photography, but that's slowly changing due to his incredible bird portraits. First spurred by his need to photograph animals close to home during the pandemic, his series of birds in flight continues to evolve. Raptors in Flight is the sequel to his popular Birds in Flight series. Owls, eagles, and other birds of prey are the stars of the show in these new images.

“Raptors are the master of observation with razor-sharp sight, hearing, and great intelligence,” Harvey tells My Modern Met. “It is a powerful combination resulting in some of the most awe-inspiring avian species. Additionally, the owls portray that great sense of wisdom and deep thought.”

Indeed, Harvey's portrait of the great grey owl captures the pensive gaze of this majestic animal, who appears to be expertly posing for the camera. Other images highlight the grandeur of the raptors, particularly when they spread their wings. As Harvey notes, these birds spend more time sitting, waiting, and resting than smaller birds; but when they spring into action, it's something special.

“Of all the predatory animals portrayed in the world, the big cats have received great attention,” the photographer shares. “For me, these birds are the bigs cats of the skies and I hope the new work shows off their refined physique and majesty.”

Frozen in time, these raptors are true works of art that deserve our respect. For his part, Harvey has made his raptor images available as limited-edition prints, which are available on his website.

In his new portrait series, Mark Harvey captures the beauty and power of raptors in flight.

Snowy Owl in Flight by Mark Harvey

Harris Hawk from Behind with Wings Open

Portrait of Great Grey Owl by Mark Harvey

“For me, these birds are the bigs cats of the skies and I hope the new work shows off their refined physique and majesty.”

Eagle Owl with Its Wings Spread by Mark Harvey

Portrait of a Snowy Owl by Mark Harvey

Barn Owl in Flight by Mark Harvey

Mark Harvey: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Mark Harvey.

Related Articles:

Stunning Portraits of Rare and Endangered Birds Full of Personality

Incredible Split-Second Photo of Bald Eagle with Symmetrical Reflection

Photographer Captures a Rare Look at the Abstract Sculptural Beauty of Birds

Portraits of Common British Birds Highlight Their Graceful Motion Frozen in Time

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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