Barred Owl

[Paul Marcellini]

It is so hard to get a clean shot of these guys and not some horrible backlit scene, that I was really happy to get this. I'm just wondering if the trunk distracts too much. I wouldn't clone something so large, and a crop leaves too little room on left I think. So, what do you guys think?

Thanks for any critiques,
Paul

5d2, 100-400@400
ISO: 1000
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/320

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I think if you were to crop tight next to the trunk it would be ok, but I would not mind seeing more trunk actually. It's a nice capture, and wish only for a bit more eye contact. :)

[Paul Marcellini]

Thanks Akos, the problem was when it looked at me, there was no catchlight in the eyes.

[David Roach]

I'm just a bird/nature lover with a camera (so don't go by me), but I love this one, Paul. I'd keep the tree trunk; maybe even a little more. The soft side light really shows this beauty well(great job on EXP!)!!! The BG is just right to show where they live in my book. The epiphyte on the perch is another nice touch!

[Fabs Forns]

I like the trunk, it provides a frame to the bird and a hint of where he lives. IF you have more trunk, I'd make it a bit thicker. Is tat a little air plant in the perch?

Sweet light! And btw, I like the OOF branches in the BG, they are not intrusive and give a sense of place IMO.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Paul it would be nice to see two versions of this already great picture, one with more trunk and another without trunk. I like the idea of the thin trunk since, as mentioned above, is adds to the composition as a frame. Just my opinion.

[DanWalters]

Nice light and colors. The trunk really does not bother me. It kind of balances the image.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks Akos, the problem was when it looked at me, there was no catchlight in the eyes.

A bit of fill-flash and bingo...catchlight! :-)

I'm with the others about having more trunk in the frame. As is there is not enough of it and it serves more of a teasing crept-in distraction. I'm also with Fabs about the BG vegetation...very nice. I'm finding the angle a little steep, but I understand it's not always possible to change positions or back up and still end up with a clear view in the woods.