Great Gray Owl

[Paul Lagasi]

Another cold snowy morning, but I didn't mind, I found another Great Gray Owl. He put on quite a show for me for about 45 minutes...wished it was sunny, but I'll take this setting. This photo taken from distance of 80 feet, cropped 65-75%. Cropped as much as I dared, saturation added, selectively sharpened face.


D300 Nikon 300 2.8 w 1.4tc iso-500 f/4 1/1000 ev +1 handheld

[John Chardine]

I think this is suberb Paul. I was immediately drawn to the perch and then to the bird. I really like the snow flakes and it's nice to see them stopped in movement rather than a trail. The light areas in the BG add some interest so I would say let them be!

[Dave Courtenay]

A lovely atmospheric image-Nicely composed, Great bird in a lovely setting

Dave

[Daniel Cadieux]

Paul, if the time on your exif is right, then you should be glad it was cloudy!! I've come to love cloudy days for outdoor photography (except early or late day "sweet" sunlight of course). I really like the pose and setting. Only thing is that I find the saturation a little un-natural for this type of cloudy-day light. Just for fun I pulled the reds back 60 points in photoshop (yes, 60!) and the result was much more natural.

P.S. Great find :-)

[Ted Willcox]

Great image. Neat composition. Well done.
Ted

[Doug Hitchcox]

Awesome picture, I agree with Daniel about the saturation. I like the strong color in the eyes but the rest could be toned down a bit.

[Paul Lagasi]

Thank you all..reposted (2nd time), I must learn all the functions, repost with red channel adjust, learning every day..thanks Dan for tip (never used that adjustment before)....

[Daniel Cadieux]

Repost looks better Paul, but you should reduce just the red channel...that would keep the neat intense yellow in the eyes.

[Eleanor Kee Wellman]

I like this natural looking pose and great perch! Some day when you get others of this bird in brighter light you will be thrilled to have a good one with falling snow! I have lots on clear days and wish for more in just this situation. Nicely framed and like the second post better but would prefer to see it a bit inbetween.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I see you've replaced the repost...looks great :-)

[Mike Lentz]

The re-post is perfect, great advice given on this thread! I'm gonna go out and give Arties favorite comment "Wonderful image" :D

[John Chardine]

or "great shot"!

[Ramon M. Casares]

This oner is just one of my favourites lately! Love the ambient and mood! Great comp, light, pose, perch, detail and.. all.. all looks great! Congratulaitons!

[Paul Lagasi]

Thanks all, its very appreciated.

[Juan Aragonés]

Superb job Paul. i would be very proud having this excelent image on my files. :-)