Snowy Owl Year

[Paul Lagasi]

The 2013-14 winter has been a phenomenal year for Snowy Owl's. They have popped up everywhere in the eastern part of North America, even as far south as Florida. Most blogs, Facebook ages, websites are covered with Snowy Owl images from every angle imaginable. Well I had to post one in here. This High Key image is one of my favorites from this past winter. I've Added a Topaz Clean effect, converted it to B & W and pasted back the original eyes.

The Chinese fonts are the word Owl.

Thanks for Looking.....Now bring on spring, its about time.

[Diane Miller]

Awesome! I love it!

[Dennis Bishop]

I'd love to see a snowy in person. This is about the next best thing. The black on white with the yellow eyes is outstanding.

[Kerry Perkins]

Awesome image Paul! I love the Clean effect on this beauty and the high key look is perfect. You are right, I have seen dozens of Snowy Owl pics, but this is one of the best and I really like it.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Paul, this is perfect in every way! Great idea to convert to black and white and I love the high key look. I was fortunate to see a female Snowy who spent part of the winter at Little Talbot Island north of Jacksonville, Florida. It was only the 3rd sighting in Florida (and a first for me) so I was thrilled to be able to see her. She spent all the time when I was there deep in a dune but I got some shots (nothing like this though!).

[Judy Howle]

I agree, this is one of the best I've seen! Very nice high key treatment and filtering! Beautiful!!

[gary ellwein]

Paul, an absolutely stunning image. You have captured and displayed the varied feather patterns beautifully with the B&W conversion and high key look. l would like to see how this image differs from the original.

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Paul,

Greetings. Just beautiful! The eyes are particularly cool. Might consider a smaller chop with better resolution (perhaps smaller would do the trick).

Cheers,

-Michael-

[Nancy Bell]

I knew I would love this just from the thumbnail! Your choice of processing brought out the graphic beauty of these magnificent owls! Those yellow eyes really hold your attention! I agree with Michael about a smaller chop. This one overwhelms the bird some.

[Anita Bower]

Gorgeous! Love the black and white, with those yellow eyes. Excellent processing. Have you considered making the Chinese font smaller? Question: What does Topaz Clean offer that Detail and Simplify don't?

[Gabriela Plesea]

This is just lovely, Paul! Very arty and so appealing to the eye! I am drawn to the patterns on the feathers, so soft yet so well defined, love the simplicity of the Black and White and the Hi Key look

Kind regards,

[Paul Lagasi]

Thank you all for comments. Anita, I never considered smaller fonts, everything I do is big..... but after the last few comments I may have to, waiting for Sensei Dan Brown to chime in.

As to the differences in different Topaz filters, I think its really a matter of personal preference, I have the full suite of filters and just like what Clean does to an image....especially if you are trying to make it artistic.
The image on the left below shows in detail what Clean does to an image, and I like the edge sharpness..the image on the right shows what detail does, I still like it but prefer the Clean Effect (for now)

[Anita Bower]

As to the differences in different Topaz filters, I think its really a matter of personal preference, I have the full suite of filters and just like what Clean does to an image....especially if you are trying to make it artistic.
The image on the left below shows in detail what Clean does to an image, and I like the edge sharpness..the image on the right shows what detail does, I still like it but prefer the Clean Effect (for now)

Thank you for showing me the difference. Very helpful. I do like the effect of Clean!