Hauntingly Beautiful

[Shawn Marques]

This barn owl image was at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, in Jupiter, FL. It was either an owl in rehab or a permanent unreleasable resident. The background was darkened to black which I think gave this image an almost painterly look to it. This is an older picture I took when I was much less experienced but it is one of my favorite images.

Canon 30D, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
1/60s @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 180mm, taken hand-held, through a fence

[Jeff Nadler]

I can see why it's a favorite. There is something about the partial window frame and bird's position that makes it very creative and artistic. Well done.

[Jim Poor]

Very nice and very moody to me. It has an almost sad look to it like the owl wants to fly, but knows it can't :(

I like the dark BG an the half frame created by the window. I'd like a clearer, more prominent eye.

[Robert Amoruso]

This is very cool and as mentioned, I like this partial window frame composition. Very creative.

[John Harper]

Hi Shawn

I like this shot a lot, but personally i would like to see just a little more separation of the wing from the black background, they sort of blend together. The overall feel though is excellent and love the window frame.

John

[Lana Hays]

Shawn
An excellent image....especially shooting through a fence. The owl stands out well against the dark BG. I really like the pose....and can see why it would be a favorite. And...there's something about that eye that is mesmerizing. Well done.

[Grady Weed]

Less experienced or not hang it on the wall and show it off.

[Shawn Marques]

Hello Grady. Lol Less experienced meaning I did not know much about exposure, never mind exposing my histogram to the right, or knowing that a fill flash should have been used. I was pure luck that this came out as decent as it did!