This is a Barred Owl I photographed from our car window in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey. It was taken on one of the many snow days from school I've had recently.
I went looking for Barred Owls and got lucky when we saw this one fly far away and land on this snowy tree. I did not have my TC with me so I had so do a bigger crop than I wanted to.
It was pretty dark so I decided to open up to f/4 for the extra light instead of more depth of field. Since it was so far away I didn't think that was too important. My ss was high in case I could get him flying.
Canon EOS 5DMark III
Canon EF 500mm f/4L
ISO 1000
1/1250 s
f/4
I did some selective brightening of the owl and sharpening, too. I cropped about 40% off the photo. I am worried about the oof blob above the bird - I can't tell if this is just the oof trees or a water spot on my lens.
Like this image a lot Ashleigh. Not only do I like the owl in its snowy environment, and I'm gathering the branch and a few above and below where the owl is perched are more exposed to the brighter light. Nice work on the owl and based on your f stop, the surrounding branches on the same plane, look normal oof above bird.
Brilliant and beautiful composition. Love that you didn't go for a greater focal length in order to include the beautiful surroundings. Very well done!
Love it, Ashleigh. The snowy environment really makes it, as does the comp with the owl perfectly placed at the ROT point. Techs look good. Nicely done.
That is a beautiful image....looks like it could be a poster with some sort of inspirational prose on it.
To me, "habitat" shots often look more like the photographer was just unable to get close enough....but not so here. The patterns and the cold, lonely feel of the photo make a spectacular combination.
What a fine image, Ashleigh. Well composed and the habitat adds as much interest as your wonderful subject. I suspect that we may see this one again in print. :)
Barred Owl
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