After getting some good record shots from the vehicle, I decided to get a better light/shooting angle. Crawling on my belly in the dirt every time he looked away, I was able to get to ground level and closer to the bird, well worth the effort. Is the little bit of OOF sand distracting, or does it keep him from "floating" in the frame? I had trouble figuring out how to crop this as well.... help please:eek:
I like the pose. Gives the impression that he is floating in the frame. The light angle is not ideal, as the shadows clearly show in the eyes. The dark patch on the right is distracting, which could be cleaned up, but I would crop to a square or vertical to get rid of the dark patch. BG is nice. Low angle is the way to go.
Thanks, Clemens. The sun rises early in AZ, this was at 7:30am! I also think this species orbital bone structure is made to shade their pupils from the sun.... that being said, I also wish the shadows were gone!
I could clone the lit iris into the shaded areas, but I'm a little hesitant;)
Good looking owl and nice low angle. BG color transitions are good. I'd also lighten up/remove the darker brown spot. The OOF FG works for me. Makes me think desert and mirages.
7:30 am? No wonder this guy looks a little sleepy.;) Overall I am really digging this image Ed. I like the pose and blurry surroundings but think the image may be a little better as a vertical.
Very nice owl! I like the environment but would love to see the talon. I might suggest a vertical crop and some NR on BG though is not very distracting. Your effort gave you a great image indeed.