Barn Owl landing

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I noted that during the day around 10 Black-shouldered Kites were hunting over one paddock for over three weeks. So I figured Barn Owls should be there at night for they both hunt the same prey. I was right, first and second visits got me two Barn Owls, then I took a friend and her husband on Saturday night and we got three. This image I created on my own, holding my torch and supporting the lens (+ manually focusing) with my left hand, camera with right. And I made some squeaky sounds and the owls just started to swarm around me. It was an incredible experience. I tracked this specimen the best I could constantly adjusting focus and the angle of the torch with the left hand until it landed on the post.

30D, 300/1.4x, ISO400, f/8, 1/125th, manual mode, manual focus, 430EX and beamer, flash at zero. 70% of original capture. I know the post is not straight, but most are not. So I didn't mind it not being level. :)

[Bryan Hix]

Wow, that's sweet. Considering what you went through to get this, I would say I have nothing to say but nice job!

[Ramon M. Casares]

Great pose and sepcies, excellent exposure and nice detail Akos. It would be terrific if you could go back and use at least two flashes for this type of images, also a tripod and if I may... a better perch ;)
But I wish this one was mine :D
Congratulations!!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

You know what I think about this image! Congrats.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thanks for the replies folks. Ramon, I understand the benefit of two flashes, but I only own one for now. Also, perhaps my beginner's luck helped me get nice, more even light here. I don't think a tripod would be of any benefit other than keeping the camera on support. Far easier to hand hold and shoot quickly when the situation changes. Thanks for your time! :)

[Ilija Dukovski]

Great work Akos, we don't see too many night owl shots here,
quite an effort. Keep them coming!

[Dave Barnes]

I like this a lot Akos, you have done well and it has been well worth your while. A mono pod with a belt pouch might be the answer in this circumstance. I love the wing detail and contrast with the dark BG.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Akos - Cool - you need yourself a camera trap and a couple of flashes!!
Love the pose and the look of concentration - looks like he didn't want to overshot the runway.

Big Congrats :)

[Hendri Venter]

Your efforts paid off nicely Akos. You captured a very good pose and your exposure on the bird spot on. Well done on this.

[Randy Stout]

Akos:

Remarkable juggling job here! :)

Nice result, and I think inspirational to try again, different rigs, etc. Very nice.

I like your inductive reasoning (I see raptors during the day, therefore I should see raptors at night ) about the situation as well, that is what allowed you make the capture.

Cheers

Randy

[Chris van Rooyen]

Well planned and well executed! I'm amazed that you managed to get such a sharp image given the difficult circumstances!

[Lorant Voros]

Akos,

I've been missing your comments and images.

This is just amazing how you pulled this off. Do you need a circus job? You can use this as a reference.

Congratulations.

[Stu Bowie]

Hey Bro, thanks for the story, and it paid off handsomely. Swat photographer - holding a torch and pointing your lens at the subject. A well captured landing pose, and well done with the flashwork. Congrats mate.