Mysterious

[Troy Lim]

~I went for another type of shot. This time, with one light source, no flashes. It shows how mysterious the momma owl is. It has been a long week, I am looking forward to unwinding and capture more images of this family.
1Dx, 200-400L, 1/4, f/5.6, ISO2500, Manual

[gail bisson]

I think this shot would really be taken to another level of you cropped a lot more tightly.
I think the owl looks great and the blackness surrounding her really does make the image a bit spooky.
But all the textured wood really draws the eye away.
Gail

[Marina Scarr]

I agree with, Gail. I brought your image into PS and gave it a few crops. I went tighter all around but more on the bottom to tighten up the image a little. I think it's more powerful. You're on track to something pretty unique.

[Troy Lim]

Love to see your version.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Troy I hope you don't mind what I did to your image!

I like the image very much but I am not totally sold with the crop.
I gave the image a few clones here and there and recrop, what do you think?

[WillieHall]

I really like this "different" approach to a bird photo. It creates so much atmosphere or character around the good photo of this owl. I also would like to see a different crop, but not to eliminate too much bark, as I feel it is an important element to the overall feel of this capture. Here is my interpretation of a crop....with apologies to the original artist.

[Troy Lim]

I do not mind at all, Juan. Another photographer also suggested to place the bird on the offer part of the frame to cut down on the shadow created by the bird. I will reedit the shot. Thank you all.

[Troy Lim]

No apology is needed. Thank you for taking the time to show me your version.

[Troy Lim]

Here is updated version, not sure if I should crop more of both sides. Plus I went a tad darker.

[WillieHall]

this really is a cool owl photo! thanks for sharing your new crop.