Barking Owl

[DanielTMiller]

http://danieltmiller.smugmug.com/Daniels-Photos/Zoos/Birds/Barking-owl-at-healseville/525411210_H9xXt-XL.jpg

I hope it's okay that I post a photo from a zoo, this was taken at Healseville Sanctuary during the free flight show, edited in photoshop with mainly the burn tool, this is one of my favourite shots I've ever taken, but probably not my best.

Nikon D60
55-200 VR
200mm
1/500th
f5.6

Hope You Like It.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Daniel

Zoo is fine and find them more challenging !! Love the mood and quality You did capture a unique expression the the image makes me wonder what that birds is thinking !!

Selected crop works well and this is one of the few wildlife images I think actually work better desaturated .....I like it !!!!

[DanielTMiller]

Thanks Alfred, means so much coming from you, really glad you like it.

[David Stephens]

I think this evokes a great mood, with the wonderful soft lighting particularly suited to an owl.

I think that informing the viewers that the bird is captive is appropriate. There's no reason not to appreciate these birds fully, even when they're not in the wild.

Dave

[Lance Peters]

Hi Daniel - love the mood and the look on MR Owl - no problem with captives as long as it is disclosed. The zoo can be a tough place to get a good image - but unlike our OS friends - sometimes hard to find these subjects in the wild to get a chance at.
Like it!!
Keep em coming :)

[DanielTMiller]

Thanks for the comments Lance and Dave, real happy that you like it.

[Harold Davis]

the light quality on this is awesome!!!! love the processing. a beautiful portrait. great job, daniel!!

[Mark Young]

Such an evocative thoughtful image. Love the thoughtful look in the birds eye, and the steep angle works really well here.

[Deborah Hanson]

Wonderful photograph.
As above, great mood image. And like everyone else agrees, the facial expression is precious.
I don't always wander into the Eager to Learn - but am very glad I did today.

Deb

[David Stephens]

That image could be the icon for the "Eager to Learn" Forum, since he looks like he's ready to soak up any knowledge. I've already commented, but it's a powerful image of the little guy or gal.

[Katie Rupp]

Hi Daniel, this is wonderful for all the reasons already mentioned! I love the mood and the pose, very evocative. I almost didn't stop to look at it as the thumbnail doesn't do it justice...so glad I did. Well Done!

[DanielTMiller]

Wow, thanks for all the comments everyone, means a lot.