Wings Wide Open, Eyes Wide Shut.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I was at first disappointed with the eyes being shut for this image, but I have now come to appreciate it as what it is...an owl bracing for contact with a landing point. Actually, it's my wife who opened my eyes (and mind) to that thought...

Canon 7D + 100-400L @180mm, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/2000s., f/7.1, ISO 1600, natural light, handheld, NR to the BG, minor cleanup to the snow (evicted a few stray twigs and grass debris), FF image. Baited.

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Daniel! I like the setting, perch, wing position, fanned tail, IQ, exposure, timing and composition. I don't mind that the eyes are closed.

[Lorant Voros]

It is probably my favorite of your owl series, Dan. I don't mind the closed eyes at all either. With the falling snow and this majestic open winged pose it is a winner.

[Nick Palmieri]

There is such nice action with the great wingspan and the snow, that the closed eye makes no difference to me. Love the low angle. Great capture!

[David Salem]

Nice wings open display as he/she landed. Great exposure and details in this and the wings are perfect with tons of detail. The perch and the snow fall make for a beautiful wintery scene. I like the eyes closed but Im sure as you stated, you would have preferred them open.
Nice capture.

[arash_hazeghi]

this is awesome man, love the snow

[PhilCook]

Eyes shut, different, and no less likeable imo...great owl shot as usual daniel

[christopher galeski]

loverly image,sharp good detail,nice landing pose.well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dan, you couldnt have captured a better wingspread and fanned tail if you tried another thousand times - this is classic. Love the extended legs and hint of the talons on the perch, and of course the falling snow adds so much more to the overall image. Well captured.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Sweeeeeeet! Snow puts it over the top for me so don't mind eyes closed.

[Mike Veltri]

Real nice Daniel.

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent image, Daniel. Your wife had a good point.

[shane shacaluga]

Wonderful shot!

[Richard Unsworth]

Hi Daniel
Well its all been said, and its a beautiful shot for sure.

I am intrigued with that ISO of 1600 on your 7D.
When I try that I get black snow....and yeah I know expose to the right :-), whats your secret???

[Satish Ranadive]

Daniel Sir:
Classic landing pose with superb background.Rest as usual wonderful.
Love the frame.

Regards,
Satish.

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent flight pose and sharp details.

[mohammad reza shahab]

Excellent landing pose and beautiful perch, exposure, timing and composition.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Stunning image Dan. Agree with all the positives above.
I actually love the closed eyes. Glad your wife opened yours

[Doug Brown]

Awesome Daniel! Even with the closed eyes!