Little Owl - (Athene noctua)

[Steve Kaluski]

An ongoing project for me is a pair of Little Owls which are inhabiting a rather large Oak tree. Sadly since last I visited they have move home, further up into the tree as I have noticed a Grey squirrel also living very close by. As it's nesting & breeding time I guess they have moved to be more secure, fingers cross for young chicks early next month although their new location is harder to photograph in, and further away. I am also not spending too much time there as I do not want to disturb them either. :)

Steve
MKIII 500f/4 f/9 1/800sec ISO400 (Resting on two bean bags from the car window, 10% crop)

[Leo Berzins]

Nice exposure under awkward lighting. The eye contact is engaging.
Two bean bags? That's a new technique to me, Steve. :)

[Steve Kaluski]

Leo, it's the new 'stacking system' for awkward positions. :D

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice capture and showing the environment is a big plus for me, since it is nonintrusive. Dapple light could be a pain, and I'm also looking forward to seeing a chick, that would be a big treat!

[Alfred Forns]

Good luck with the chicks Steve !! First time I've seen stacking bean bags :) ... great mood !!!

[Arthur Morris]

I am fine with the SH and the COMP but the lighting problems rule... The darker parts of the bird are over-powered by the lighter, sunlit portions of the BKGR.

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks everyone.

Regarding the light Artie this is a difficult one. This is the only open part of the tree and the light only gets to it after 2.00pm so it's going to be difficult. Plus shooting UP is not ideal as the angle is quite steep at times. For me it's a compromise, unless anyone has any suggestions? Worried a flash will spook them.

Steve :)

[Arthur Morris]

Regarding the light Artie this is a difficult one. This is the only open part of the tree and the light only gets to it after 2.00pm so it's going to be difficult. Plus shooting UP is not ideal as the angle is quite steep at times. For me it's a compromise, unless anyone has any suggestions? Worried a flash will spook them.
Steve :)

Two options:

1: As I have heard that it is cloudy on occasion in the UK, a cloudy day and some flash at -2 or -3 stops should work wonders.

2-As presented, I believe that it would be possible to even out the light in Photoshop. Be right back....

[arash_hazeghi]

This is a sweet pose and great sharp details, unfortunately the light was not cooperative at all and BG is a bit busy, here is my trial with highlight shadow and some NR on BG, tough to get rid of the shadows completely but I hope you like it

I would have opened the aperture to f/4 with focus point in the head for better separation from BG. light was very harsh I don't think fill would do much here, cloudy will be much better as Artie mentioned.

[Arthur Morris]

This looks a lot better. Tim Grey Dodge and Burn plus a 15% Linear Burn on the brightest whites.

[Arthur Morris]

Here is a side by side comparison.

[Arthur Morris]

This is a sweet pose and great sharp details, unfortunately the light was not cooperative at all and BG is a bit busy, here is my trial with highlight shadow and some NR on BG, tough to get rid of the shadows completely but I hope you like it. I would have opened the aperture to f/4 with focus point in the head for better separation from BG. light was very harsh I don't think fill would do much here, cloudy will be much better as Artie mentioned.

I love the soft look of the light that you got on the owl but the shadowed part of the BKGR is way overdone.... Scaling back the SH/H there would like have been the winner. Thanks for your efforts.

[arash_hazeghi]

I love the soft look of the light that you got on the owl but the shadowed part of the BKGR is way overdone.... Scaling back the SH/H there would like have been the winner. Thanks for your efforts.

here is one with less H/S on BG

[Arthur Morris]

Much better!