Had an amazing time this weekend with this most wonderful predator. A silent hunter, but its' visual impact could not be any louder!
Canon 7D + 100-400L @190mm, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/800s., f/5.6, ISO 1600 (settings histogram checked on static subject), handheld, bad blue cast corrected via color balance, cropped to pano but almost FF left to right, an OOF grass cloned out at LRC, a couple of the brighter trees in the BG toned down via low opacity clone stamp. Baited.
This is my favorite one of your images, and that says quite a bit considering your portfolio. To have him fly directly at you, be able to shoot at 200 mm, and nail everything about the photo ... well that just speaks to the preparation that you put into your photography.
Love the symmetry of the pose with raised wings and reaching legs. Intensity of that concentrated stare is amazing. Great BG to convey the environment. Great all round, Dan!
Hi Daniel,
This too is my favorite of the last few shots of this bird that you posted. Just love the snow coming down and the intesitiy of the stare. Good timing on the upsurge of the wings too. Sometimes I find it hard to freeze the motion at 1/800. Must have been pretty close at that focal length as well. Good noise handling on the 7D.
Wow is right. Very cool Dan. Great job getting him/her coming right at you. The fixed eyes and the classic owl pounce pose is awesome. The snow adds to the whole scene. Agreed, one of the best shots Ive seen from you!!
It has all been said Daniel.
A truly superb image and one to hang on the wall with pride.
The snow and the trees and the direct view with feet up are superb!
Congrats,
Gail
Add in some more WOW's from me. This is just stunning. All has been said. Seeing this guy coming at you must have been an incredible thrill -- my trigger finger would have been shaking, and not just from the cold. Congratulations!
This has to go in my top ten favourite bird images...I now have about 100 in my top ten. I think you have a real winner here Daniel. Nice work with exposure, detail, action and the bird's gaze.
Truly marvelous, that much is obvious. I could never be convinced that baiting isn't unethical, although I realize that it's a tactic employed by many great bird photographers. Still, I know enough to know that it's your skill and talent as a birder and bird photographer that afforded this fine image. I'd love to hear more about your baiting technique. That is, if the magician is willing to reveal his secrets. Last: I admire you for disclosing that you did bait the owl. Many photographers wouldn't be so forthcoming. Although I find the baiting of animals to be troubling on a personal level, I do respect you for your skill AND your honesty, Daniel.
Last edited by Jack Breakfast; 01-09-2013 at 05:51 PM.
Dan Canon should use your work to sell the 7d and 100-400, I read and talk to so many people that dismiss both as crap. In the right hands both are excellent tools.
and your work just proves that point.
Great Gray on the Pr"owl"!!
. I think you have a real winner here Daniel. Nice work with exposure, detail, action and the bird's gaze.
Daniel Cadieux thanked for this post
Reply With Quote
