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Thread: Northern Hawk owl in the snow

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    Default Northern Hawk owl in the snow

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    A hawk owl in the snow from the Sax-Zim bog.

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Paul:

    Spectacular eye contact here. They really dominate the image.

    I would try a significant crop from the bottom, as I don't think that negative space adds a lot to the image. If you have the data, lots of crop options to try with this one.

    I also might consider removing the grass on the lower right side, in front of the bird. It really jumps out because of its forward position and the contrast with the white.

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    Hi Paul. Love that Owl..great stare and those eyes! The snow has a blue cast...did you need to use more +ve EC? I'd also clone out some of the distracting twigs in front of and to the right of the Owl. I agree with Randy's crop suggestions. TFS

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    Great looking bird and pose. Prey item is awesome. A couple twigs could be cloned but I'm ok with them as they are. I'm finding the image underexposed, in particular the grey snow -- a quick curves adjustment or EXP should fix that and give the image more pop. I agree with playing with some crops. Did you apply a vignette -- if so, might back off it a bit. TFS, I would love to photograph these winter owls.

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    Really nice eye contact and prey item. The hint of blood on the talons adds interest. You've received some excellent advice above re colors and exposure. If it were possible for you to get lower and a few inches to your left, that could've reduced the impact of the twigs. As presented, the image doesn't work for me, unfortunately. Keep at it, though! Looking forward to seeing more owl images! TFS

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    Appreciate the replies. I did do a vignette a bit on the original. The bog has had melting and no recent snow, so the snow does look a bit nasty.

    I did some more tweeking on the JPEG but can go back and work on the RAW file some more too.

    Name:  z adjusted hawk in snow.jpg
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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Paul:

    A significant improvement for me. Certainly worth circling back to the raw and refining it.

    Cheers

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Great shot of this magnificent owl. One I'd love to photograph one day. Good advice above, and the RP is a big improvement. I would still try a crop from the bottom, at least halfway up to the owl; and for me the exposure on just the owl might be lifted a bit more. Still, a great look.

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    Much prefer the repost. Love the pose with that direct stare. Nice to see the owl on the ground and in the open. Very cool looking owls.

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    Hi Paul, the RP is definitely an improvement. Agree with Randy that it would be worth starting back from the RAW to really bring out the best IQ. TFS.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    The white snow is much, much better. Great stare by the NHO. I agree cropping a good portion of the bottom would help the composition.

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    Super Moderator arash_hazeghi's Avatar
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    sweet image Paul. lots of good suggestions above, better crop and getting rid of some of those weeds and you have a winner :)
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