Last Light Great Horned Owlet.

[Daniel Cadieux]

From last month, where three owlets had branched out. This was the only one exposed from the thick pine branches. Pretty much the last sunlight of the evening, as you can see fro the exif. I did go up to ISO 3200 for 1/80s., and then removed the TC for an additional stop of light, but this is the only image of the series I kept due to the direct stare I got (the only time it did so). Yes, handheld, but lens braced solidly against a tree.

Canon 7D II + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC III, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/40s., f/5.6, ISO 1600, FF, reduced a few highlights in the BG, and NR applied to the BG.

[Arthur Morris]

This one took my breath away. The only thing that bugs me is the vertical branch in the center that it too close to the bird.

with love, artie

[arash_hazeghi]

What a find Daniel, love this one with the fuzz and gorgeous eyes. Habitat is nice too, I agree with Artie re the closer branch, it takes time but I think it is possible to remove

TFS

[gail bisson]

Artie echoes exactly my opinion as well.With some TLC and good cloning you could remove that branch!
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey guys, yep, that branch bugs the heck out of me, and it did in the field while creating the images. Moving right was impossible, unfortunately. Thankfully the subject is sorta kinda cute! I may try to remove it, but for all the patience I have in the field, I do not have as much for post processing

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dan, great eye contact, and love the fuzzy plumage. Of course we can see the late light nicely which in turn has brought our the warmer colours.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely fledgling, lovely light. Branch noted but still a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing, Dan.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Annoying or not, I'd leave the branch. It is what it is, agree with your feelings about spending (endless) time processing and retouching.
That's the beauty of photography, you keep going and then eventually you get a better image with time.
Love this shot Daniel!
TFS mate