Ghost in the Darkness Boundary Bay

[Jamie Douglas]

Taken back in February 2012 with Steve Kaluski during a gloomy cold wet morning at Boundary Bay. Techs | Canon 7D | 400mm | F5.6 | 1/500 (Used due to fierce wind) | ISO1250 | Gitzo Tripod. Inspired by the work of Vincent Munier. Best viewed on a calibrated monitor.

[Shawn Zierman]

I enjoy the mood lighting here. Technically well done, though at the time of capture, I wonder
if a slight shift to your right to get the bird's head to show in that sky slot between the background
elements, might not have been a worthwhile consideration. Love the look of the owl...wet, kind of scruffy.
Post processing handled very well, especially in regards to noise control/sharp details.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice creative presentation, Jamie.

[Randy Stout]

Jamie:

A very effective picture, captures that ultra early situation where you first have enough light to see the birds, get that first rush of the day.

Good comments from Shawn.

It may not play quite as well for the non photographer audience?

Cheers

Randy

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I like the mood and the look of the owl as mentioned. I think you did get just enough light on the owl but I think I would like the entire image a little brighter as well.

[Marina Scarr]

I had a feeling this image was going to be powerful just from the thumbnail. You obviously worked really hard for this one, and it has paid off. You captured the mood well and the struggles of the snowies in these conditions.

[Steve Kaluski]

Days like this Jamie means we really appreciate when the light comes out to play, I trust you have got it booked in for next year?

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot.
The lighting and the wet owl make for a killer mood.
Terrific comp.
Well done.

[Steve Canuel]

Nice moody shot Jamie.

[Jamie Douglas]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone and for comparison sake, here is a slightly lighter version. WDYT?

As for the shooting angle. What I failed to mention besides the wind and rain etc was that we were crouched in soggy rotten smelly shore grass and mud so after spending a considerable amount of time approaching this owl we had to pretty much work where we were at to avoid spooking the owl. These guys are not all as tame as they sometimes appear in other images so I always edge on the side of caution.

It may not play quite as well for the non photographer audience?

I totally agree Randy, but I always like to try something different for myself.


Cheers

Jamie