Backlit Marsh Owl

[Morkel Erasmus]

I was fortunate to get my first proper photos of this elusive species this afternoon. They are frequenting a nearby wetland this winter but paternal duties have kept me from visiting up to now.

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
1.4x TC
f7.1 | 1/1600 SS | ISO-1250
EV +0.7

[Alan Murphy]

Good job managing the light. I would remove the noise in the sky.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice translucence to the wing feathers, and the square crop works favorably here. I kinda wish the shaded parts of the owl were darker by lowering the midtones for a more dramamtic feel. Subjective of course, but something to try.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Mork, great backlighting effect, and love the full wingspread. I do like the colour of the sky, and on a personal thing, I would have gone with a more traditional landscape comp. Marievale???

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks guys...will have a look at your suggestion, DanCad!

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Great light and congrats on getting the species. Morkel, I wish the eye/face area was just a tad lighter although I see it is shadowed and the more I look the more it grows on me as is. The backlit wings are beautiful

[Robert Holguin]

Great shot.
I really like the back lighting here.
Well done.