In the past I’ve discussed the many reasons why I prefer to photograph birds of any species in the few hours after sunrise so I won’t repeat myself here. But yesterday morning I was reminded of yet another reason that applies specifically to owls.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I’m not fond of this photo at all so I’m sure I’ll delete it, along with all of the others I took of this Short-eared Owl yesterday morning. It was taken at 9:12 AM and this time of year the sun’s already so high in the sky at that time of day that the light is beginning to get quite harsh and much of the underside of the owl is in shade (in this case partial sidelight also contributes to the shadows on the body).
But the main reason I don’t like the shot is the partially shaded eyes. About 2/3 of the right eye is in shade as is almost half of the left one. Owls have spectacular eyes that are disproportionately large for the size of the bird and in many species they’re brightly colored so to many owl-lovers their eyes are one of their most striking features and to have them in partial or complete shade significantly diminishes their appeal.
If this had been almost any other bird in this lighting situation its eyes would probably have good light on them but the eyes of owls are deeply set into their face and skull so unless they have almost direct light on them they’re usually partially or completely shaded. And getting that light typically means photographing them with the sun low in the sky.
Late afternoon works about as well as early morning but I’m a morning kind’a guy.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Even when the owl took off its eye was more than half shaded, just as it was in the several flight shots I got after it launched (in case you’re wondering, yes I clipped its wings in most of them).
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But I took this photo of another owl in the same area 2 1/2 hours earlier at 6:40 on the same morning. The sun is so low in the sky behind me that there’s good light on the entirety of both eyes so one of the most appealing features of owls, their spectacular eyes, is shown at its best. In addition, that time of morning the light is soft and warm and much more pleasant to our sensibilities.
With the sun at that angle I even have good light and detail on the feathers beneath the tail and rump. Later in the morning that part of the bird would have been a photon-sucking area of deep shade lacking any detail at all.
This same principle of photographing owls with the sun low in the sky so we can get good light on their eyes also applies to most other raptors but for a slightly different reason. The eyes of most hawks, falcons and eagles have a heavy brow ridge over the top of them that prevents light from reaching their eyes when the sun is high overhead.
Early mornings rock for bird photography!
Ron
PS – Apologies for posting so late this morning. I actually slept in until 4:30 because the forecast was for rain (I’m hearing thunder as I type this) so I knew I wouldn’t be going shooting this morning. I felt guilty about it but it sure felt good after getting so little sleep lately.
I’m having issues with the account I usually use to add comments, so I apologize if I look like a “generic” pictureless commenter. I’ve been going out to areas early in the morning for the same reason for a few months now, and I can see the difference! I love that last shot, the color-scheme goes well with the bird as well.
-Xavier
Hmm, looks like it’s working as intended after all. Nevermind the first sentence up there!
I thought I did well today getting up at 7 a.m. I see the difference in the shadows and the warmth of the light, too. The quality is Worth getting up for and I notice the outstanding photos of landscape photographers are often taken in the morning light. Hope you are feeling better soon.
My 11 year old says: “WHAT?? He’ll delete the first photo?” We like it. We’re not fussy. We think all of your photos (and Mia’s too) are superb! We are easily pleased!
I enjoyed your comment and I’m tickled that your youngster liked it. In hindsight I actually won’t be deleting that photo because I always keep the ones I’ve posted on my blog, whether I like them very well or not…
Love these owls…any time, any light…they always bring pleasure to see them…
Agreed, Patty.
Rain and extra sleep are always winners.
I do understand your picking of nits. However I would be very, very happy to see these birds let alone get recognisable photos of them.
I’m always very happy to see them too, EC. I often go months and months without seeing one at all.
Ron, I’m with you on valuing “good light on the entirety of both eyes” and being an early riser. But for some reason I wasn’t able to find many owls early in the morning when I was in Pensacola. Hopefully that will change in Colorado. I did get “good light on both eyes” in a few shots of a fledging Great Horned Owl about a week ago.
David, Owls tend to be elusive no matter where we are but we definitely have better chances in some areas than others. I wish you luck with them in CO.
The difference is stunning. I thought the first shot good until I saw the comparison. Professor, I fear you are ruining me! 🙂
“Professor, I fear you are ruining me!”
That brought a laugh, Arwen! I’ll take it as a compliment…
Yes, you have converted me to morning photography. I use to be a late afternoon person, mostly because I don’t like to get up at 4:30am in order to drive to the birds destination. However I have noticed a huge atmospheric difference in the air morning vs evening. The cooler morning air though it would be denser than warmer afternoon air seems to be clear, crisper, less haze of smog built up with the day. I also enjoy the morning mist rising off the water just as the sun hits the ground. I do miss the sunsets at BRMBR and the Jetty. Maybe I will have to start taking my tent arrive early, photograph sunrise, set up camp in the middle of the day cull the morning photos and then photograph the sunset. My family would think I have gone over the top!
That atmospheric thing you mention is just one of the many reasons I prefer mornings for photography, April.
Step away from the delete button! 😱 I really like the first shot because the lighting makes the owl look especially professorial (and a little pissed) and that tickles me to no end. 😄 The heart-shaped facial disc of that last owl seems unusual to me — do you normally see that much variation among SEOs?
I’m jealous of both your extra sleep (my insomnia monster is at it again) and your rain. We had a little drizzle a couple days ago, but just enough to make the cars look horrible.
Marty, I think it appears to have that shape just because of the posture it’s in.
It hasn’t rained much here either, at least not yet. When it heats up in the afternoon that could all change.
My heart goes out to you Marty. And me. There is good reason so many cultures use sleep deprivation as torture. It is.
Slept in till 4:30…you’re a machine!!
What can I say, Zaph…
Good post Ron. I remember one of your earlier ones discussing catch light in bird’s eyes and how you need to see that when the sun is low. Great things to remember. Short-eared owls are so beautiful though that I love see them in any light.
The past few days my body has been wanting to sleep a lot, yesterday I took a 5 hour nap in the middle of the day. Probably allergies and my body telling me to get some good rest. Weird though how I feel more tired after such a long nap.
“yesterday I took a 5 hour nap in the middle of the day”
So jealous, Ed! I’ve been trying to nap every day (sometimes more than once) and even when I’m so far behind on sleep I just can’t drift off.
After seeing those examples there is no excuse to stay in bed.
Morning light changes everything.
Thank you very much for today’s lesson.
“After seeing those examples there is no excuse to stay in bed”
That made me smile. Thanks, Jorge.
Congratulations on sleeping in, Ron! Wish I could have done that, but I was awake very early, even though we have to lead a tour this morning. I like the first two shots of the SEO, and didn’t even notice the eye shading until after you mentioned it. In looking at the last photo I understand and appreciate the difference. For some reason, the shading of the eyes doesn’t make that much difference for me.
“the shading of the eyes doesn’t make that much difference for me”
I guess the reason it matters to me so much is because I know “what could have been” in better light, Susan.
The last photo is stunning. What a gorgeous bird! And thanks again for your insights into photography. They are so appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Joanne.
‘Teachers always teach.’ I read that somewhere a long time ago; but good explanation and examples goes along with it also. I’m really glad I came across your name when I was googling hawks months ago and found your blog. That final picture really sums up the whole explanation in one snap. A beautiful picture of my favorite bird…love that slight hint of one ‘ear’! (Even the man-made post cannot detract from this bird; everything comes together in a beautiful blend of soft colors.) 😍
Thank you, Kathy. Just goes to prove that old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.
Good morning! Thank you for sharing this information, I now know what I need to do to get better photos of these beautiful raptors. It is dreary here this morning after an absolutely beautiful day yesterday. I may still head out later to see what is flying around in our forests anyway. 🙂 Have a good day, Ron!
I wish you light and luck later in the day, Jerilyn. Thank you.
It does demonstrate the point BUT! The results are stunning in their own way. 🙂 I never tire of owls. Glad you could sleep in. Our forecast rain hasn’t materialize and we need it……..:( Creek is still a bit muddy for setting up the pump (our shallow well won’t handle much watering).
Judy, several nights this past week I’ve only been able to sleep for 3-4 hours so catching up a little feels delicious!
Wonderful blog today, Ron!! Again my favorite teacher of photography techniques has taught me something!1 What is so special is you don’t just tell us that early morning or late afternoon are the times to photograph owls but why!! Thanks, teach!!!
Thanks very much, Jo Ann. None of the photos I got yesterday morning were great ones but as soon as I compared the differences between the light on the eyes of these two owls I knew they’d be good teaching tools.
Good morning Ron: 5:31 am here and I am drinking my coffee and preparing to be out at 6 am to photograph eagles. Good advice for anyone taking morning photos of birds of any kind. Hope you are feeling better.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Thanks, Everett. Good luck with the eagles! It’s raining now – here in the desert that’s always a good thing.