More Little Owl

[Richard Unsworth]

4 pm today and Athene enjoys the warmth before the chilly night.

Processed in CC

7d 100-400 and tc 1.4
Manual exposure, Spot metering ISO 800 F5.6 1/1000 Hand held

[keith mitchell]

Richard looks like a nice bit of light you have got, only very tiny nit is that bit of white at the bottom of the bird otherwise I think its excellent I really like the upright pose.


Keith.

[Richard Unsworth]

Thanks Keith, the bit of white is the "socks" will look at toning that down, was aware.
thanks for posting

[keith mitchell]

Richard he would need his socks on if he was in the Uk at the moment, thanks for pointing that out.

Keith.

[Richard Unsworth]

or wellies?

shame - its 23C here lol

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Richard, shows how well these birds blend into their homes.

I quite like the comp, but you do need to watch the whites. Can you tell me, have you added any contrast, if so, by how much. I would look to applying a Luminosity layer adjustment to hopefully tame the more brighter areas. Use the Opacity and a mask to target & obtain the balance required.

TFS
Steve

[Richard Unsworth]

Thanks once again Steve

did not change contrast with that adjustment but did pull down curve a little, 2 points I think.
will try your suggestion of luminosity layer. The socks are quite difficult and trying not to blow them at the same time as keeping the bird nicely exposed is not easy :-0
in camera. Any tips?

[Steve Kaluski]

Richard, not on the world's greatest monitor, so any suggests may need some tolerance. I just thought the blacks were looking a little 'dark/heavy' and perhaps, as a guess, pulling back the Contrast, Shadow & Blacks may help? If the whites are not blown then you can selectively address those areas in LR very easily providing there is some detail.

Because I have certain reservations on the RP I'll drop you a line, but I think you can do a lot more within the RAW file.

[Richard Unsworth]

Thanks
I have LR but never used it - got the CC photo BUNDLE though I am well into CC.
I too am using a laptop which isnt too bad, must use my sons IMac next door lol
Your knowledge exceeds mine but all these intricate tips are of great interest and appreciated.

[Loi Nguyen]

Richard, this is a very cool image of the owl in its habitat. I have on,y seen these owls on dirt mounds, so it's great to see them in a hole in a tree. Steve already gave you excellent suggestions, the only thong I would suggest is to consider taking some of the bottom and left, just a tad to bring the owl lower in the frame a little bit. Loi