Model = Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
Exposure Time = 1/2000"
F Number = F8
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Metering Mode = Spot
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 400mm
Color Space = sRGB
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure
Baited
Handheld using Bushhawk
The weather was horrible for this image. It was overcast and foggy, but the snow made it bright enough for the shutter speed providing this high key photograph.
Holy Cow.. THATS awesome...!.. Im going to have to start training our Snoweys around here! lol if they havent froze to death this weekend....... ;)
I suppose Im supposed to provide meaninful critique... but... Id say this is dang near perfect considering the conditions.. only a slight blur on the far wing.. and thats probably dof cuz at 1/2000 Id think ss is good enough
I thought the last Snowy Owl you posted could not be beaten but I think this one does it. The image is absolutely superb. And there's nothing wrong IMO with blurry wing-tips caused by movement. I really like the subtleties of the image like the talons lifting off from the flying snow. The other aspect I really like is provided by the bird itself- a black and white image with a magic splash of yellow in the eyes.
Jody
OK.......this is more than I can take......now you're grounded for 2 weeks, no dinner....and cut out the snacks:):):) You're killing me with these owls!! Oh...by the way....it does remind me of a B&W image....but with those beautiful yellow eyes glowing.....pretty cool effect.
As others have said this is stunning. What I like about it most is the almost translucent look to the wings due to the white of the owl looking like the white snow. Of course, the yellow eyes are special
Just stunning Jody!! The superbly dark patterned plumage is so magnified against this winter scene - As Lana points out, it's almost a monochrome and those yellow eyes just burn like beacons. I don't even get to see snow in my neck of the woods let alone Snowy Owls!!!
Great image. The way the snow background perfectly matches the bird makes this a very graphical type of image. The bird is defined just by the blacks. Very well done.
You've given me a reason to learn and understand high key photography! Hope you don't mind, but I posted a link to the forum for my camera club just to discourage, errr . . . encourage, the bird photographers in our group. Several of them have tried their luck with some local owls near Cincinnati but clearly nothing to compare to this shot. WOW.
I envy your opportunities at these owls, Jody......your work is simply fantastic. For being horrible conditions you managed a fantastic piece of work with this image. I wish I could get 1/2000 at f8 on a foggy, overcast day!
Perfect and rich in every respect -- compositionally perfect, technically perfect, artistically strong. Depicts action while capturing detail beautifully. Captures the essence of the subject and is somehow abstract at the same time. Pure, clean, cold and hard (those talons) yet with the contrasting softness of the feathers and snow plus the warmth of the eyes to give it heat and life and a personal connection. Incredible. This is what nature photography is all about. Art and science. You can retire now and rest on your laurels. You've pitched the perfect game.
Ron Spomer
Snowy Lift Off.
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