Barred Owl in flight

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created on 24 September 2021 at Lake Blue Cypress aboard Clemens Van der Werf’s flats boat. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1485539-REG/sony_sel600f40gm_fe_600mm_f_4_gm.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/SO6004GM/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSO6004GM) and the beyond amazing Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1619483-REG/sony_ilce_1_b_alpha_a1_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/SOA1B/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSOA1B). ISO 1250. RawDigger (https://birdsasart-shop.com/the-rawdigger-e-guide/) showed that the raw file was just about two stops too dark at: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:49am on sunny morning. Center Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly and produced a sharp-on-the-eye image.

I was set up for the bird in the sun when it flew into the shade of the the tree it was headed for. :) To learn about the post processing see the And then the beautiful owl flew into the shade ... Along with Tons of Photoshop Tips and Learning blog post here. (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2021/09/29/and-then-the-beautiful-owl-flew-into-the-shade-along-with-tons-of-photoshop-tips-and-learning/)

As for the image, don't be shy; all comments are welcome and appreciated.

with love, artie

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nice indeed Artie, the plumage is very well detailed, sharpening spot on. I like it just as presented, (I also downloaded and selected the background and reduced overall exposure with curves, that also looks good.)

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Artie, I like the inclusion of the mossy trunk, adds context to the image and is a nice addition to birds in flight on a colourful backdrop. The outstretched wings and angle of the subject is pleasing to the eye. Can't tell on brightness or colours as viewing on the MacBook Pro, but the lighter BKG adds a nice separation currently to the subject. Not sure that some of the brighter moss could be toned down a bit, but as I said, not viewing in 'optimal' conditions.

TFS
Steve

[dankearl]

This is nice, has a nice 3D look to it, PP looks good, nice opportunity.....

[Muhammad Arif]

Amazing image, Artie. Definitely worth the "lots of work" to save this impressive and very unique capture.

[arash_hazeghi]

screams lake blue cypress! I have like this from 2011! I'll dig it out and post, yours has more details for sure. I might increase the contrast on the owl a bit, great stuff

TFS

[Daniel Cadieux]

Owls have great underwing and tail patterns, and this image shows these nicely. The mossy habitat is super nice. The processing work was well worth it!

[John Mack]

Love the gold tones and that sweet pose.

[Brian Sump]

Artie, this is sweet, congrats!

Love the rich yellows and greens and the incoming profile of the subject works great here. The moss frames it nicely.

Agree on toning down the brighter strings just a bit.

Hope to get one of these one day!

[gail bisson]

This is absolutely beautiful Artie. I just love all those yellows.
The owl's wing position are perfect and so nice and sharp all the way through DOF.
I agree with toning down the brightest areas of the moss on the tree but otherwise, pretty much perfecto.
One of my favorite of yours now!
Gail

[Andreas Liedmann]

Nice flight pose with the wide wingspan .
Overall colors looking good , as does the details and sharpness .
The subject itself does look a bit flat or too evenly lit , IMHO , would give the subject more tonal form ... as purely personal taste .

What really surprises me here is the head angle ... not being commented by anyone . As most of the times all you folks here are just pointing this out as a flaw .... why not in this case ???!!!

TFS Andreas

[Jay Ing]

Wow - lovely frame, Artie. Only thing I'd have stamped out would be the last bits of moss that is semi in focus right in front of the leading wing. They pull my eye way rather than having him/her fly into the "softer space". But, sweet! TFS.