Snowy Owl

[Shawn Zierman]

This snowy owl was photographed this past winter in Northern Minnesota. No attractants of any kind used for this image. Canon7d, Sigma50/500os, iso800, f9, 1/1600, small crop, layer mask used to run noise reduction on the bg, USM.
I enjoyed the play of warm and cold light in this one. Comments and critiques welcome.Regards,
Shawn Zierman.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Awesome species and execution aside, it's so soothing to see snow on a 100 degree day.
I'm enjoying the shades of blue in the bg. The bird is gorgeous and I'm enjoying the side lighting. Exposure spot on, as is your bird placement and comp.

[arash_hazeghi]

sharp with great exposure and details. I like the BG, the horizontal bright band (sunlight or a fence?) is a bit distracting. I wish there were no shadow in the eye, with snowy owls it's always tough to get fully open eyes with no shadow when the sun is in the sky

TFS,

[David Salem]

Very nice frame Shawn. I really like seeing these owls in the sunlight, even though the sun makes for some technical challenges. You did a great job and the exposure and detail are perfect.
I also like the distant stare and the sharp eye with the catch light. The white band in the BG is somewhat undesirable but I think some cloning could take care of that if it bugged you. Well done.

[Bill Dix]

Beautiful shot that has a cold wintry feel, and I agree I like the warmth of the light on the bird playing against the cold. The side lighting works nicely with the turn of the bird's head. White band noted; would be nicer without it.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Shawn, good look back pose, and you have nailed the exposure on the snowy nicely, which in turn has brought out the finer plumage. Love their yellow eyes, and Im fine with the BG as is.

[Shawn Zierman]

Thanks gents...the white band is just a shaft of light coming through a hole in the alder brush that borders the edge of the field that the snowy owl had landed in. I think in the future I will try a version with the band toned down...don't think I would try cloning, just due to all the background variation/definition that there is...regardless, thanks for taking the time to give feedback.

[Daniel Cadieux]

It's a good idea to at least tone down that line, but otherwise a fantastic image that has crystal clear details and good techs. I don;t think we'll see another irruption like last winter's but it would be nice to have at least a few show up again!

[Richard Flack]

Awesome detail Shawn. Really like the BG and the eye jumps out at you! Well done

[Karl Egressy]

Spot on exposure and great detail, Shawn.