Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle Owl

[Jan Saunders]

I took this photo on the same night as the previous one posted. I had a little time to try different compositions in camera before the owl departed.
Exif info is as follows:

EXIF Information
File name:	GEO_ODP_edited-1.jpg	File size:	72549 bytes
File date:	2012:07:11 20:04:17	Camera make:	Canon
Camera model:	Canon EOS-1D Mark IV	Date/Time:	2012:06:30 18:18:20
Resolution:	800 x 586	Flash used:	No
Focal length:	400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 2690mm)	CCD width:	5.35mm
Exposure time:	0.013 s (1/80)	Aperture:	f/5.6
Focus dist.:	18.10m	ISO equiv.:	1,600
Whitebalance:	Auto	Metering Mode:	matrix
Exposure:	Manual	Exposure Mode:	Manual
======= IPTC data:	=======	Byline:	Jan Saunders
DateCreated:	20,120,630

I used a monopod with a gimble head.

[gail bisson]

I like the spotlight effect and the way the branch is illuminated. Excellent lookback pose.
I see a some noise in the feathers and would eliminate the second catchlight in the owl's right eye.
Gail

[Ken Watkins]

Jan,

To be perfectly honest, I much preferred your first post of this Eagle, but nevertheless this is very nice. In addition too the catchlight I wonder if eliminating the bugs in the BG may work?

[Daniel Cadieux]

Another lovely spotlight effect here, and I like the owl/perch combo. I agree with the second catchlight, and personaly I feel there is a bit much space at left. You've made the best of your encounter...thanks for sharing the series!!

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Joe and welcome. I love this one as presented. For a night image, it is spectacular--the owl looks so natural. I missed the first post; what did you do about red eye? Anything special with the flash? Or was this not created with flash????

I pretty much like the framing as is but might go for a bit off the top and the bottom as I do like 3X2. And I love the filtered lighting on the perch.

[Jan Saunders]

Athur, no flash was used in this image, spotlight only. Thanks for commenting.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Jon. Can you tell us about the spotlight? It looks, so, so natural. Which 400 lens?

[Jan Saunders]

Thanks Jon. Can you tell us about the spotlight? It looks, so, so natural. Which 400 lens?

Arthur, unfortunately I do not have info regarding the spotlight. If I remember correctly, it was a Nightforce but that is about all. The spotlight was supplied by the lodge where we were staying. I used a Canon 100 - 400mm f4.5 - f5.6 L USM IS. The subject was a bit far and I had to up the ISO from 1000 to 1600, and I then brought the shutter speed down from 1/125 to 1/80. O I forgot to mention it earlier but the second catchlight may be from the second vehicle on the scene, they were positioned in front of us, which provided the side lighting on the perch.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the info Jon.