Saw-whet Owl (c)

[Raymond Barlow]

D300 / 200-400 @ 400mm
1/1000, F4, iso 250
Katana Gimbal, tripod, natural light

Cloned the Jesses, and slight crop.
Not the best pose, but something a little different.

[Peter Coskun]

Lovely pose and great detail on the face. Wish there was some detail in the wings and also feel there is too much space to the right which could use some cropping...though this is all personal preference.

[Fabs Forns]

I love that face and bowing position, really pretty, wish I could go to see the SO this year, will let you know.

PS, do you know that every image you post in Facebook you are giving them non-exclusive use??????
I deleted all of mine!

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like this one as is Ray, the DOF effect is really cool! The green moss and white snow add nice touches to the perch.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Fabulous DOF. loved it. It will look very good with a little bit more DOF too. I also think a squarish crop will work better.

[Tony Whitehead]

Love the shallow DOF. Works as presented but I can also see it as a squarish crop with a big chunk off the right.

[Steve Maxson]

I like the intense stare and the diagonal perch with the snow, Raymond. Here's another vote for a more square crop - partly because the light area in the upper right tends to draw my eye away from the owl.

[Deborah Hanson]

I really love this. As above, it would be nice as a square crop.
It has a movement out of the image that catches the viewer (me).

Deb

[Raymond Barlow]

thanks everyone, I would not like a squarish crop personally, but thanks for the recommendations.,

Fabs... imagine what would happen if they used someone’s image? How many million FB users?? around 400 million I think., I don't think they are interested in my crappy pics., Also, I think every forum we sign up in, we waive the rights to the images, otherwise the forum owners would get sued for using them., but I could be wrong.

Marco., this is a captive bird, so I can get as close as I like, really not too sure how far out I was, maybe 20 feet.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the stare and body position in this image. Excellent as usaul Ray.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Ray, don't say crappy pics, your work is quite wonderful, and this is no exception. Like the wings stretched out in the back. Hope we can do another outing soon.

[Paul Lagasi]

Love the look, pose.....way to go Ray, for sure I've got to get down there....TFS
Someday I hope my images get to be as crappy as yours...lolol..

[Ed Cordes]

Great face! Unusual DOF really works for me. I agree with Fabs re Facebook. I removed mine as well.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Bhai, you have made the low DOF work so well here, loved the angle and eye contact here.. BG work very well... Big congrats..

[Raymond Barlow]

Thanks again everyone.. their just birds, and I am just a photographer, I honestly do not think my images are anything special.

Captive bird ???
Why you didn't said from the beginning ?
I'm sorry but now i give 8/10 to the picture.... not anymore 10.... :)

sorry Marco.. the (c) in the title lets everyone know this is a captive bird., also, noted how I clone the jesses... but I happily accept yout 8/10.

Personally, I would give it a 6. Anyone can shoot captive birds on a stick.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

I too love the wonderful expression on this owls face. Beautiful detail Raymond as always and a stunning BG. Fine work !!!!!