Little Owl with snack

[Mike Poole]

Hi all,

Not been around much over the summer for one reason or another, but here's hoping everyone has been keeping well.

I had a trip up to one of Dennis Greenwoods little owl sites this evening and despite the owl not making an appearance at the desired time (typical as for once there was some stunning light to be had a few minutes earlier) I did like this low key shot. The settings should give some idea of the light levels at this point.

Canon 5d3
500mm f4 is
ISO 1600
1/400th f4

The owl was suitably rewarded with a couple of mealworms!

Mike

[Mike Poole]

Not sure why the title has 'with snack' - something to do with that auto suggest on my computer I think!

[Karl Egressy]

Nice overall image, Mike. The background compliment the bird, framing is good but maybe a little less canvas at the top.

[dennis greenwood]

That's a nicer image Mike than I expected ,you done a good job on the PP and a cracking stare from him

[Grace Scalzo]

What a sweet image. I looked long and hard for the snack until I read what you wrote. With a bird that is still, I would have traded shutter speed for depth of field in this case as the sides of his head are falling outside the depth of field. If you ever try this, just make sure that your long lens technique is spot on, use a gentle touch on the shutter button and take a few shots. One at least will be sharp.

[keith mitchell]

Mike the best bit about this for me is the eyes they look perfect to me,colour overall looks very good ,nice image.

Keith.

[Mike Poole]

That's a nicer image Mike than I expected ,you done a good job on the PP and a cracking stare from him

Cheers Den, I didn't actually do too much, it was as he first landed and there was still a touch of light, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the file

Mike

[Mike Poole]

What a sweet image. I looked long and hard for the snack until I read what you wrote. With a bird that is still, I would have traded shutter speed for depth of field in this case as the sides of his head are falling outside the depth of field. If you ever try this, just make sure that your long lens technique is spot on, use a gentle touch on the shutter button and take a few shots. One at least will be sharp.

Thanks Grace, I agree about the DoF. Ideally if he'd have come in about 10 minutes earlier I was set up at about ISO 800 1/100th f8. I suppose it's what keeps us coming back for more! I'll keep practicing the technique.

Mike