Little owl

[Steve Kaluski]

A very simple shot of this subject when they were nesting in the Orchard, then gave me the slip and moved back about half a mile to the old willow tree they used to frequent. Easily ID due to the right eye, although slightly hidden on this frame. He/she used to fly down and rummage around the log pile looking for grubs and beetles.

Thanks to those who posted or viewed on the last posting.

Steve

Subject: Little owl (Athene noctua)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 200-400f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/1000s at f/8 ISO2500
Original format: Portrait, very slight crop.
Processed via: LRCC & PS2020

[Randy Stout]

Steve:

great display of the talons, interesting perch with texture, side lighting gives a sense of depth. I like the comp. and the diagonal line created by the perch on the left.

Might be interesting to try a bit more contrast on the bird, as it appears a bit washed out.

Cheers

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Might be interesting to try a bit more contrast on the bird, as it appears a bit washed out.

Cheers Randy, I try to keep Contrast to a minimum, especially as the image is proceed through LR, but primarily to retain the finer detail and to avoid the blacks filling in. With the light racking in, the plumage was quite soft, however I think there is a tendency for images to carry too much Black & Contrast which can often add a slight 'stark' look if you know what I mean. However appreciate the thought, but when I'm back I will take a look, as it's good to have a fresh pair of eyes viewing.

[Randy Stout]

Steve:

I am def. in the lower contrast camp in most cases, esp. when dealing with birds like loons! However, I will occ. tweak a bit at times. Just a thought!

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

I am def. in the lower contrast camp in most cases, esp. when dealing with birds like loons!

I think the only way often is to show a comparison, especially when you see sooty BKG which are so easy to correct and colours get too saturated and away from life.

Technology is a wonderful thing Randy, 200 miles away and I can access files. Normally I wouldn't do this because I cannot trust the MB pro screen, but... This has an Alpha Channel and Curves blend mode added, however I have tried to input your thoughts but keeping all adjustments quite low, but it really is had to judge, especially with a laptop screen where any head change alters the look hugely.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Steve, lovely alert stare/pose from the little guy. I too, like the clean view of those talons. You have improved your repost, and I feel it also looks a tad sharper too.

Hopefully you are tucked safely away from Ciara.

[Steve Kaluski]

and I feel it also looks a tad sharper too.

Interesting as it's just from LR Export


[QUOTE]Hopefully you are tucked safely away from Ciara.[QUOTE]
Storm hit hard, rain at times was almost in biblical proportions! Lots of flooding locally too, crazy compared to your temps, thanks for asking.

[William Dickson]

Nice POV Steve....and on the iMac the repost does look better, and slightly sharper. Lovely pose, detail and BG colours

Will

[Randy Stout]

Steve"

One other note: on my screen there is a modest green color cast to the image.

Randy

[Steve Kaluski]

Steve" One other note: on my screen there is a modest green color cast to the image.

I would be surprised Randy, as the last element I do is an old way of 'Colour balance' from the days of drum scanners and subject to the blend mode it neutralises things, but will check when I'm back home at the end of this week. Thanks.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I prefer the repost too Steve,............... just for future opportunities , is it possible to put a more attractive looking perch in that locale

[Steve Kaluski]

I thought it gave a more ‘interesting/different’ aspect Jon and where the ‘ice pick’ talons would be visible, what do you have in mind?

[Jonathan Ashton]

I thought it gave a more ‘interesting/different’ aspect Jon and where the ‘ice pick’ talons would be visible, what do you have in mind?

A piece of birch would contrast well.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Steve ... lovely simple portrait , usual high quality output !!
I would also vote for the RP ... for sure a matter of taste and no big thing .

Agree with randy about the green cast ... but only after checking with the eyedropper .... so only very marginal .

TFS Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

Thank you Andreas, regarding the slight hint of green, this why I prefer to make changes on a calibrated monitor as you can appreciate, but as a ‘working’ RP it’s fine for the adjustment purposes.

[Andreas Liedmann]

No worries Steve ... i took the OP for the measurement

[Bill Dix]

Very nice pose. RP is an improvement for me, and a slight color balance would be appropriate although I probably wouldn't have noticed. I rather like the perch.

[John Mack]

Nice you got the bird to stand on the knot of that log. The pose is right on as the background. Killer detail per ususal.