Athene at Sunset

[Richard Unsworth]

The once sacred to the goddess Athena Little Owls only live for 1000 days or thereabouts.

I was thinking it might take me that long to get some good frames, captured here just shy of sunset

Can 7D 100-400 @ 380 + TC 1.4

HAND HELD MANUAL EXPOSURE, STALKED USING MY CAR TO WITHIN 4-5 METERS !!

1/800 ISO 800 F5.6 Evaluative

Processed in CC, ACR, Topaz NR and Detail

[Norm Dulak]

This is an interesting, sharp shot. I like the texture of the bark around the bird, and the bird's penetrating stare. But it seems somewhat over saturated to me. I would consider toning it down if it were mine.

[Richard Unsworth]

Hi

Thanks Norm

Heres what happens with WB to auto in ACR
the OP WAS "as shot" -
appreciate yours and other comments..

[Norm Dulak]

Thanks, Richard. I like your repost.

[Enrique Patino]

I also like the repost much better. great find!

[Arthur Morris]

The repost is better but only 1000 times better. I like the bird, the image design including the boxy crop, and the sharpness.

[Arthur Morris]

Forgot to mention that the texture of the tree bark adds a lot to this fine image.

[Marina Scarr]

I love this image,Richard. The textures and designs in the tree are amazing. I have included another version. Now that I compare, I like my colors a bit better than your RP (and there are no clipped reds or yellows here) but it depicts more of an evening light. I cropped a little off of both sides, but think I may be liking your more squarish crop. Regardless, this give you another option. I also applied a little more sharpening to the bark.

[Karl Egressy]

I might like the second version the most in terms of saturation. Composition looks good.

[Richard Unsworth]

Thanks all

Good one - nice effort Marina love it

and thanks Arthur for the smile

more to come

[Bill Dix]

Lovely shot of this little beauty, and the tree bark really adds to it. When I saw your repost, I felt it lacked a little of the evening warmth that the OP showed to extreme. Marina's repost addresses the issue nicely for me.

[Richard Unsworth]

Thanks Bill

well, the OP was pretty much OOC, I wasn't too sure about its looks so input is most welcome.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I prefer the repost as well but could see it with a little more warmth to show the sunset lighting. Love the overall design , textures and crop.