Little owls environment

[Steve Kaluski]

Certainly over the last year the 200-400 has given me the flexibility in shooting, no question and over the last month it has had a good airing. It has meant not only can I get a reasonably tight portraits, but also when time allows, to shoot wider, but I still favour my 500 too.

The backdrop is the old hollowed out Willow tree, that despite being hit by lightening, is still going strong and creating a heaven for the Little owls (although now safe in their own box), Jackdaws and a Barn owl now. The perch he/she is on is a favourite one, some 2.5ft off the ground where they often sit, preen, or just lookout, sometimes hopping down into the meadow grass for bugs, beetles and fat green caterpillars. Daniel this was the perch from last year where the owlet had it's head tilted to one side you quite liked, in an inquisitive manner. I deliberately wanted the subject to one side and I still think having a little bit of vegetation creeping in at the foot of the image adds, but open to thoughts.

Thanks to those who swung by & commented on the previous image, cheers.

Cheers
Steve

Subject: Little owl with Willow backdrop (Athene noctua)
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 200-400f/4 Gitzo tripod/Uniqball head
Exposure: 1/640s at f/9 ISO1600 ​(FF on width)

[Grace Scalzo]

Steve, A delightful image in every way. I feel is if I'm getting a chance to peer into his little cave. The green indeed adds to the image. The only thing that I would give consideration to is the bright spot where the light is hitting the bark. Looks like you burned it to tone it down, but even so my eye keeps bouncing to it and away from the owl.

[Bhushan Dalvi]

Steve, this is a really nice shot which captures their environment nicely. I like the green in the foreground.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Steve I like the owl but would consider moving it a tad to the right. The pale area in the bark doesn't add IMO. The leaves/vegetation yes I like the fact that it is there but I get the impression some of it is not sufficiently out of focus having a discernible circular shape I find distracting - possibly a penalty of using a shorter focal length. The greens partly obscuring the perch don'e float my boat there's too few or not enough of them.
Sorry if this sounds too critical, it is not meant to be, I do like the image but those are my reservations

[Mike Poole]

I really like this one Steve, the overall framing works from me, I always enjoy shots that show more than just the subject. I'd like to see you adjust the brightness in the upper centre area of the background, but apart from that, this one is absolutely spot on

[Joe Subolefsky]

Like everything about the shot except the bright spots on the tree in the BG. The foreground foliage adds a lot to it imop.

[MiroslavMaric]

Great shot, I like it including the composition. BG is nice and well matched with the bird. Like the focus of bird and eye contact keeps my mouth opened . TFS & cheers! Miro

[William Dickson]

Well done Steve. Amazing

[David Salem]

I like the natural setting to this one Steve, even though I like the ones with some of the different man made perches too. The pose looks nice with the head on stare and the overall scene looks great. Well done.

[Marina Scarr]

Terrific spotlight effect, and I love all the various elements of the environment.

[Ivan Ellison]

Gorgeous image, the eye contact is great ,the overall image with the muted colours and soft bg and fg is lovely. As said previously the light area on the tree may be better toned down.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Steve
This is such a special image! love how this little fella is looking stright at you! Excellent light, pose, sharpness where counts and the line of green vegetation on bottom adds interest to the image. My only suggestion would be to tone down the bright patch on left right
next to the bird´s head.

[Greg Oakley]

Great environmental image - agree with Grace about toning down the bright spot, but still fantastic

[christopher galeski]

very nice,like how you have shown it's environment,bird is nice and sharp,and a great perch.

[Steve Kaluski]

WOW guys, thanks al lot, this means a lot.

Interesting about the 'hot spot' having waited and waited for the sun to come out from behind the cloud it just seem to light the whole scene nicely, but perhaps it was a tad too strong, not like the nice golden light you get for a very short while and strive for. Knowing the background to the scene, we take it for granted because of the history we remember, this is why is good to get feedback because I/we take things for granted and perhaps do not see 'the wood for the trees' and on reflection, yes the highlight needs to be toned down, thanks.

Regarding the greenery in the FG I guess that is a marmite decision, love it, hate it.

Once again, a big thanks for swinging by.

[Binu John]

Terrific shot, Steve! Excellent composition and eye contact! Well done!

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Steve very nice in all terms , color, contrast , setting etc etc. Like the mush in the FG , breaks the uniform coloration . Well that is a natural perch ……….. i like it.

Only thing is the spot of light in the BKG i am not wild about , at least i would tone that down , draws my eyes away .

TFS Andreas

[Sidharth Kodikal]

I love the feel and the mood that this image has. Nicely done Steve.

[keith mitchell]

Steve your certainly showing us the way to take great shots of these Little Owls, another stunner!

Cheers Keith.

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent shot Steve. I like the wider angle presentation.