I've been dreaming of such a shot ever since I got interested in birds approx 15yrs ago. I've seen similar action shots in National Geographic and other great magazines. I always wondered how someone can capture such an image...Now I know.
How the image was captured and conceived:
Light, wind direction , background and an understanding of the owls behaviour was key to make this image.
The light and wind needed to be in my back, I had to be standing to photograph the action in order to only have the owl and snow in the capture. I also understood, after seeing the owl approach it's prey on previous tries, the direction in which the owl would take his prey.
Although baiting can be political, I firmly believe that no harm was done to the owl while conceiving and capturing my dream snowy owl photo.
(edited once...Cropped bottom as per great suggestion)
30D
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/2000Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F5.6
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
-1/3
ISO Speed
100
Lens
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal Length
300.0 mm
Image size
3504 x 2336
Image Quality
RAW