Snowy Owl

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Photographed on Long Island very early in the morning. I'm wondering if this crop works for you, I don't mind all the grass and that there is no direct eye contact.

http://www.pbase.com/axelhi/image/110966490/original.jpg

1D3, 500f4, 1.4x, 1/160s, f/8, EC +0.33, ISO 800

[Mike Tracy]

I like the grass and the crop. The light really accentuates the colors of this environment as well as his eyes. The lack of eye contact doesn't bother me. I think too often the H.A.P. over look the fact that we are photographing wild creatures that are looking at things other then the photographer. The distant gaze works here in this image IMO.

[Juan Aragonés]

Superb composition Axel, terrific balance between the owl at the right and the dry, redish, plants at the left. Excelent BG and warm light. This image is a delicacy to the eyes :eek::eek:. Very well done

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

I like this one very much. The head tends to be hot a bit. I might crop something from the bottom.

Szimi

[Stu Bowie]

The comp works perfectly for me, and what stunning light. I am interested in what time you call early morning Axel, as the light in this is so sweet. Another outstanding snowy image from you.

[Mark Dumbleton]

Comp works for me! Like the grass too! Super light and exposure well handled! Love this series from you of these owls! Keep 'em coming!!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The comp works perfectly for me, and what stunning light. I am interested in what time you call early morning Axel, as the light in this is so sweet. Another outstanding snowy image from you.

Thanks, Stuart! I made this about 10 minutes after sunrise and just switched from ISO 1600 to 800.

[Kobus Tollig]

Super light and comp. This for me is one of the best looking birds I know. Man they awesome. Great work well done

[Fabs Forns]

I like the weeds and colors on this, almost even ore than the rest of the series.

[Steve Canuel]

Crop works, as does the grasses and off camera gaze. Outstanding colors and feel to this one. Very nice.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I feel your image works quite well, despite some HAP uproar perhaps and the generally cluttered appearance of the environment. Goes to show with a bit of forethought one can make a memorable creation out of what could be perceived an ordinary situation. Congrats Axel!

[Charlie VanTassel]

Hi Axel,
What a beauty! As I was born and raised on Long Island, you make me wonder why this Owl is here while I am now on the other side of the country. The warm light and habitat really make this exceptional.

[denise ippolito]

Gorgeous light and colors! The composition with the inclusion of the habitat really works for me.

[Steve Maxson]

Love the light and habitat here, Axel. I also really like the fact that the bird isn't looking right down the lens barrel - to my mind this make a much more interesting image than a bird staring at the camera. Very well done.