Nikon D3s, Nikkor 600mm, 1.4TC, f5.6, 1/500, iso 250, tripod. I got this one Sunday afternoon. The owl originally was in deep cover with many branches between us. After a several minute stare down, it flew to another tree and gave me this shot. I rarely get these guys this well exposed. The opportunity was brief, but I got off three shots. The distance was long at 50 meters. The bg sky to the north was cloudy. The setting sun in the west had broken thru and provided the side lighting. I did clean up several small twigs behind and under the owl. Of the three images, this was the best exposure of both eyes. Dodged the shadows a bit and sharpened. The crop is large at approx. 20%. Wanted to share an uncommon moment. C & C always appreciated.
This is a beautiful bird and you have obviously worked hard for this shot...So well done. Unfortunately I think your post processing has left a faint pinkish halo around the head and shoulder and the tail looks a bit fuzzy in places also. I also might try backing off the contrast a little...
Greetings. Great shot in the wild... Good work on the shadows, the black-white contrast in the shadows & light is especially good. If it were mine, I would bring up the shadow part of the head a bit more. I also see a halo. Thanks for posting this one...
Hi Gary, what a beautiful owl! I'd love to find one out in the open like this (they always seem to hide among branches in poor light). I think this one loses a bit as the side of the head that is pointed at the viewer is in deep shadow. Maybe you could lighten it up a bit?
Don't get me going on Owl shoots. I have chased them over half the states in the Southeast US. They have a way to lure you into the woods as well. You caught a very regal pose and a beautiful creature I bet your heart was pumping here. My main comment will be the softness of the image. With all that FL might consider raising the ISO to get a faster shutter. A 500 ISO would double the shutter speed. As you know Nikon can handle ISO speeds much higher than this - set it higher and get the sharpness next time. The large crop hurt the IQ and detail as well. I still love the pose, days like this make bird/nature photography so much fun. Thanks for sharing this moment.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 11-22-2011 at 09:03 PM.
GREAT HORNED OWL
