Found this pair in California Gulch, Arizona. I know this image has flaws, like the OOF female, focus is on the wing, and not enough space on the bottom, but I've never seen another shot like this. Tough conditions, I had my flashlight off otherwise the bird wouldn't land on the cactus if it was on. I tried to prefocus on the cactus. To you guys, is it a keeper?
Processing:
usual sliders, cloned a couple bugs on the cactus, eye work
full frame
Tech:
Nikon D500
Nikon SB910 (TTL, -1.0 EV)
600mm f4
ISO 1600 (wanted to lower flash brightness since I was near a nest)
f4
1/1000 (yikes, I know, needed f8, but was previously trying for a flight/food delivery shot)
tripod mounted
The action here is fantastic Walker, especially because it is of such a small and hard to photograph species. But I think a few there are a few things that could make this stronger. First some more room on the bottom would be better as the tips of the wings are just about at the edge of the frame. Critical focus seems to be on the shoulder and not the face of the front owl. A bit more noise reduction on the background would help as well. It is certainly a keeper, but also a shot that you could improve upon as well. Just another reason to go out and try again which is part of the beauty of nature photography.
Very cool behavioral shot of a species I haven't seen before. Your critique is spot on re: the shoulder, and I would also like a bit more room on bottom as well as some more NR, but as others have said its a good shot that I would certainly keep. Looking forward to more of these owls, its a cool look into a world we rarely get to see, TFS
Very intriguing, and I'm really digging the BG owl! I agree with your other self-critique points. Did you play with the pupils too make them appear sharper?
Elf Owl Pair
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