"Look Out"

[David Salem]

Look out!!, that's exactly what Jim Neiger said as we were shooting these Barred Owls on his boat at Lake Blue Cypress. Jim used an audio call and this owl responded by heading right at us, and literally coming inches over our heads.
I couldn't believe that we actually had to duck as he came by. Pretty cool and its the first time I have seen a bird call work so well, or even at all. Not a very easy shot to get of these owls in flight because most of the shots were out of a tree that we could not see the owls in, then in a second they are flying straight at you. Really challenging trying to lock on with a varied tree background and the owl headed straight at you. I managed to get some nice keepers with different wing positions and BGs.
I like this one because of the direct stare and the symmetry of the wings even though they are in a flat position. Hope you like it.
If you are looking to go on a fun photo workshop, then I highly suggest looking up Jim and booking a scheduled or personalized workshop. You will have a great time and get lots of photo opportunities of many species. Thanks again Jim!!

1DX---840mm---f6.3---ss1/3200---ISO800---HH from boat @9:05am---40% crop to pano

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it

David

[Marina Scarr]

Well done getting this one nice and sharp and centered. Love the comp you chose and the varied BG works nicely.

[Iain Barker]

Fabulous shot David. Love the head on view and really like the pano crop. Background make the bird stand out well.

[Jim Neiger]

Well done, David! Getting a shot like this is a lot harder than it looks.

[gail bisson]

This is really nice David.
Love the tight pano. I would darken the BG ever so slightly to make the owl pop even more more.
IQ is excellent,
Gail

[David Salem]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Jim, thanks, it was a challenge but very rewarding. I appreciate the comment.

Gail, I did darken the BG a little but I think a little bit more as you suggested would look good. Thanks as always.

[Grace Scalzo]

Crazy image, David, you are right, not easy. Love the pano.

[Robert Kimbrell]

I think the background works well. I also like the comp with a head on shot, and a pretty nice view of the tail feathers.

[Ashleigh Scully]

wow that is super sharp and amazing focus! Great job I wouldn't change anything.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Wow, that's an awesome frame David!
Love the super sharp eyes, the BG is to die for and that is some fantastic light. Also, the pano crop really works in this one! TFS!

[Troy Lim]

I love the shot very much...Nice BG too.

[arash_hazeghi]

not an easy shot at all, you did well. I like the head on position and stretched wings. sharp and good exp

TFS

[keith mitchell]

David I can imagine the excitement of this bird coming toward you you,you finished with a great looking image,sure wish it was mine.

[Mike Poole]

Perfect in both the technical aspects and the crop. Having a stunning looking subject helps as well, great stuff

[ramesh anantharaman]

You just have to love this image for its so real and the slight blur on the wing tips is sooo thrilling showing motion. Love the compo. As they say, hard work always pays.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

It just doesn't get any better than this!

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I appreciate it.

[Doug Brown]

Makes me want to duck just looking at your frame! Nicely captured!

[Arthur Morris]

Well done and not at all easy to even get the bird in the frame (much less in focus). If you have it, I'd love a bit more room above.

[David Salem]

Thanks again everyone.

Arthur, Yes I do have plenty of room above but I tried to stick to the basic rule of thirds and put him in the upper third since he is centered right to left in a tight pano.
I figured I would get comments on it being too centered?? Your thoughts as I know you think about comp quite a bit? I have versions both ways. Thanks

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks again everyone.

Arthur, Yes I do have plenty of room above but I tried to stick to the basic rule of thirds and put him in the upper third since he is centered right to left in a tight pano.
I figured I would get comments on it being too centered?? Your thoughts as I know you think about comp quite a bit? I have versions both ways. Thanks

YAW; for me, the bird is simply too close to the upper frame edge....

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent incoming flight shot.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment