I had an enjoyable day yesterday while photographing birds with Mia and Brian Gatlin, a friend from northern Arizona. Since we shoot from my pickup I was the “designated driver” and wasn’t able to do much photography but we did see a lot of great birds and I enjoyed the conversation immensely (in spite of the good-natured but merciless teasing from Mia that I endured all day…)
1/1250, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited set up or called in
Strange as it may seem, over the years I’ve had much more success getting Barn Owl shots I like while they’re in flight than I have while they’re perched because of their tendency to land on unattractive and unnatural perches like metal posts and signs. But this owl allowed us close while perched in a tree that didn’t have too many distracting branches in the setting.
Good bird!
Ron
Stunning photograph! You and Mia are incredibly talented… I love barn owls, I think they are my favorite… Thank you so much for braving the freezing weather and enriching our lives.
Oh Ron, this owl is so beautiful–such a treat to see one in such beautiful light. I hope it’s getting enough to eat.
Yes, a very natural perch indeed. Stunning light and resulting detail, Ron
In your photo, the Barn Owl looks to have a gossamer shawl … that precise glistening in the plumage that gives the appearance of a theater grande dame. Shall I anthropomorphize some more? 😉 Beautiful, beautiful photo. You and Mia are hypnotic in your ability to keep me glued to a single photograph for minutes on end. I appreciate every nuance of the bird. By the way, I didn’t know Barn Owls had a propensity for unnatural perches, since I don’t see them too often. I imagine I will see one soon, perched on rusted rebar or a trash bin, just because it’s now in my consciousness.
Feathered enchantment.
I’ve been visiting with this sweet faced owl off and on all day long with joy. You don’t know me, yet you have given me such beautiful gifts.
Thank you sincerely.
I’m delighted that you enjoy the shot, Janice. Thank you.
Amazing! Was this on Antelope Island?
Jolie, No, this was at Farmington Bay but in this weather the Barn Owls are active in daylight in lots of places. I photographed some at Bear River this morning.
Thanks Ron!
Amazing photo! The background of branches and sky look great!
Thanks, Sam. I appreciate the nice comment.
The difference is stunning, it just “sanctifies” the scene for me (if that makes any sense).
Makes sense to me, Maria. Thank you.
Good bird and great photographer! Wonderful detail and nicely framed in the “V” of the tree.
The bird made the photographer in this case, Wally. Thanks.
Very nice portrait Ron. Would you mind sharing your camera setup technique? Your shutter speeds are very high compared to what I’m used to on my 7D/500mm/1.4x setup. You have way more snow and brightness than me too, so that may be the difference. Do you prefer Tv over Av? Manual? Thanks for the great site.
Chris, the relatively high shutter speeds of many of my recent shots are largely due to the brightness of the snow, reflecting light in every direction. I always shoot in Av – just the way I’ve become used to shooting and I feel comfortable with it.
Well, this is the perfect barn owl portrai!! The limbs of the tree perfectly match the curve of the owl, the touch of snow and the pale blue sky are the perfct touch and contrast! Perfection Ron!
I also noticed the almost matching curves of the limbs and the bird, Charlotte. We think alike…
The Barn Owl is beautifully framed among the branches Ron. Excellent photo !
I’m glad you like it, John. Thanks.
Hi Ron
This is really great. Well done!
Cheers
Paul
Thanks very much, Paul.