Scops Owl

[Jeni Williams]

This little fella is resident at a picnic spot in the KNP - unfortunately could not get his eyes open! I'm not sure if a wider crop would be preferred but the bush is very thick and he gets lost in it?
Canon 40D 280mm f/8 1/60sec. exp. comp. 0.33

[Alfred Forns]

Those are difficult birds Jeni I would go with a wider crop, I know you are trying to minimize the bg clutter but first order of business is making the bird look good in frame.

Would try exposing wide open to minimize the bg then soften a bit At f 8.0 you are getting lots of dof making he bg worse. Another benefit would be the increase in shutter speed for a sharper image. Should have lots of chances at this bird !!!!

[Harold Davis]

love the owls!!! dont forget the flash fill. will help fill out the shadows. agree with al about this one being too tight in the frame. besides, it's in it's habitat and you cant do anything about that!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Jeni, I like what you were trying to do here...As far as the background goes, It is what it is; lets just call it habitat...:D But Mr. Owl is a wee bit too tight in the frame.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Agree with the above but it's a very sweet image.

[Desmond Chan]

I think the crop may be a bit tight, just may be. The bigger problem to me is it looks soft. May be the focus is off?

I've got some great horned owl shots, too, and, yeah, they like to sleep...especially the adult ones :)

[Katie Rupp]

Lots of good advice already given. I like your owl's expression and how nice that he's a resident, that means you have more opportunities.

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Not more to say after all the pro's comments, except I like the shot. The crop does not bother me at all.
Congrats,

[Lance Peters]

Can't wait to see the one you get with his eyes open.

:)