Giant Eagle Owl

[Marc Mol]

This is my second attempt at submission here of this Owl, the first had way too much contrast & S/H tool used.
I couldn't do much about the angle here as she was perched uppermost in the tree and was being harassed by a pair of Pale Chanting Goshawks, I did manage to get her in some nice early light. Approx 30% crop from original, to take out distracting branches on left.
Central Kalahari GR- Botswana Sept '09.

D3 500VR 1/3000s ISO450@f/4

C & C most welcome

Cheers
Marc

http://africaddict.smugmug.com/Nature/Botswana-Sept-2009/D315444a/771629042_U9gYU-XL.jpg

[Arthur Morris]

I love the pose. There is a problem with the lighting but I am having a hard time figuring it out... I guess the light is coming from high right and a bit behind the bird.... The image is sharp.

[Marc Mol]

Thanks Artie
Taken at 07.56, the light was from the right.

[Fabs Forns]

I like the fact that you included the perch to froound the take off. I tried to fix the light situation a bit with Nik Color Effex Complete Reflector effects, Silver. Hope you like it.

[Marc Mol]

I like the result Fabs, and have that software as well, what were your settings with reflector may I ask?

Cheers
Marc

[Fabs Forns]

Marc, here's a print screen of the settings. I used a control point on the belly at 100% opacity and one on the sky at 0% opacity.
Hope this helps.

[Marc Mol]

Good tip, something to consider in the future, thanks Fabs.;)

[Stu Bowie]

Marc, great take off, and a subject I wouldnt mind having in my files. Unfortunately, the light wasnt your best friend here. Still well captured.

[Markus Jais]

Great shot. I like the wing pose and the open bill. Fantastic bird.

Markus

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I think it could also have worked well with the bird smaller by having more space for it to fly into. Feels just a touch constricted for me.

Well done Marc regardless. I like the pose very much.

[Morkel Erasmus]

hard to get them in the open like this, and a take-off as well! the new name is actually Verraux's Eagle Owl if I'm not mistaken? I do like the light on the wings.