Barred Owl

[gail bisson]

Captured this image in Vancouver (workshop with Jess Findlay and Connor Stefanison) last year. No mice (live or dead!) used.
Canon 1 DX 1.4X extender
SS 1/60 ISO 1250 F5.6 on tripod
No flash used.
PP: Small crop (shot as vertical) and color balance adjusted.Smoothed a part of the BG with sponge and clone tool at 10% opacity.
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[Frank sheets]

Hi Gail. Love the owl and surroundings. At first thought a slightly tighter view might be in order moving the bird a little to the right to get him (her) off center. But for me, the center is ok here and like the space around around the bird. Nicely done!

[Alex Becker]

Pretty stunning. I could also see a bit more room on the left as viewed but no real issue as is either. I love the glimmer in the eyes and of course that great perch. Details look nice throughout. I shot I hope to have at some point. TFS

[William Dickson]

Well done Gail. Lovely looking image. Nice detail and pose on the bird, lovely looking perch and beautiful BG. I wouldn't change a thing. Good work.

Will

[Bill Dix]

I'm a sucker for good owl shots (maybe we all are), and this is a beauty. Great pose and lush perch. I like what you did to the BG. Perch looks maybe a bit too saturated, but that is probably that lush British Columbia forest. Each of us has his own crop preferences. Mine would have been to take a tad off the bottom and add it to the top, and add a smidge to the left. But lovely just as posted.

[Glenn Pure]

Magnificent shot, Gail. Bird, perch and background all excellent. Like your other work, the detail, tone and colour are all faultless. I'd have preferred a different comp too with the bird more to the right but from your comments seems you may not have had the frame to do that? This is especially good given the low shutter speed. I'm surprised you didn't use a higher ISO and faster SS for insurance. But heck, it worked to produce a fabulous image.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gail, I like your choice of comp here, and I really like the fixated stare from the Owl. Excellent plumage detail, sharp, and great seeing the perch full of lichen. Killer colours in the BG.

[Joseph Przybyla]

All's been said... Lovely image, Gail. Thank you for sharing.