Ahhh, sweet memories. But melancholy ones too.
Ten years ago today on May 29, 2008 I was back on the northwest Montana farm where I grew up. Those first few visits to the farm after my cousin Ken Dudley died in January of 2007 were melancholy trips for me because Ken and I were very close and it always felt so lonely out there because he wasn’t there and neither was anyone else. It was just me and the owls that had lived on the farm for years.
- Veteran readers of Feathered Photography already know this story but there’s more about my relationship with Ken here if you have the interest.
Every year the owls raised a family in one of the old granaries but until this trip I had never seen any youngsters until long after they’d fledged. They always nested high in the rafters of one of the back granaries some distance from the house so I could never see them when they were very young. But this time they nested in an old granary right next to the house, probably because no one had been living on the farm for 16 months so they felt safe and secure there since there was no human activity around.
1/13, f/16, ISO 400, Canon Rebel XTi, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM @100mm, not baited, set up or called in
And when I arrived on the farm that year’s owlets were actually on the floor of the old granary which surprised me very much. It was cluttered as hell down there because that granary hadn’t been used for decades except to store junk. Once I knew where the owlets were I placed a large piece of plywood in front of the granary entrance to give them more privacy since I had no choice but to use the nearby house, yard and driveway.
It was very dark in there when I took this photo – this might be the only time I’ve photographed birds with a shutter speed as low as 1/13 sec (no, I didn’t use flash. I never flash birds). I was lucky to get anything sharp, especially since I was hand-holding my camera (no tripod).
That’s “gopher” blood on the old carpet in front of the owls.
1/800, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
And this is one of the parents at 5:37 AM that same morning. It was in one of the auger cutouts of one of the other nearby old granaries. This photo was taken only 5 minutes after official sunrise (I know that because I looked it up – the sun comes up very early this time of year in northern MT) and I remember hoping the owl wouldn’t disappear into the darkness of the granary before the light reached the bird.
I adore warm light on owls and old wood.
I struggled with the composition of this image so I played with it a little. To avoid centering the owl meant cropping out the wood on the left which resulted in only shaded blackness on the left edge of the frame and I’m undecided how comfortable I am with that.
Another version has wood on both sides of the owl but the bird is centered in the frame.
And a third vertical composition makes the owl larger in the frame but once again there’s no wood on the left side.
Anyway, if readers have a preference of one version over the others I’d appreciate hearing about it. Personally, I’m waffling back and forth at this point.
Ron
Addendum: In a comment below Marty K. requested to see an uncropped (full frame) version of the image. This is it. As you can see, 10 years ago I still hadn’t learned to pay as much attention to keeping my camera level as I needed to… 🙂
Number 3, definitely number 3 ! I like seeing the owl better, with the wood and composition to add context and space. I hardly ever see a Great=horned’s pupils closed down that far. Owl is clearly looking right into the sun. Best wishes to you!
I like the one with wood on both sides of the owl, but might try to slide it farther right to give a little more asymmetry. Also glad to know I am not the only one who has to level his photos., I was better about it when I used film.
Those little owlets are so precious. As for the parent, I prefer the photo with wood on both sides and the last one, even though it is crooked.
The story you tell about your time on the farm reminds me of my days on the farm. I have fond memories of my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I loved working with my Father doing anything other than cleaning house or washing dishes.
Thanks for the memories, Ron
My farm days are some of my best memories, Alice. It wasn’t an easy life and I got tired of all the work sometimes but I loved it out there. Still do.
So many interesting things to see in these photos. I love the colorful weathered wood, knot holes and nails. The new morning light on the Owl’s talons is delightful. And, the precious look on the Owl’s face as the sun is rising makes me laugh!
I think the uncropped is my favorite — even with the tilt. It’s still tight enough to get owl detail plus you have your dad’s nail and the wood framing the owl, not to mention the negative space above the owl. Not sure if there’s a way to level without losing too much. A winner!
That tilt would drive me nuts, Marty. I could level it without losing too much.
I just consider the tilt to be part of an “E-ticket ride” — sort of like with my vertigo. 😉
Vertigo/spinning out gives us a whole new perspective doesn’t it Marty? Hopefully not followed by a face-plant.
Oh those bittersweet memories…
I hope the sweetness is starting to dominate.
Huge thanks to Ken. And to you.
Love the owlets.
And that rusty nail.
Thanks so much, EC. Another nail lover!
Ron, do you think we could see the uncropped shot? RJ’s comments have piqued my curiosity.
Done, Marty. See addendum above.
Ron, I just read what you shared in your link regarding your cousin Ken, and concerning his gift to you. In gifting you, he has gifted us all. Thanks for sharing your friendship, passion for life and photography.
Thanks very much, Robert.
Robert speaks for me, too….
And me.
Superb! I prefer the 1st photo, especially for the inclusion of the bent nail. As I see it, this seemingly unobtrusive nail is very influential within the composition as the only true diagonal on a grid of vertical masses and horizontal lines. It slows the my eye in its visual flow to the right and redirects the my eye back to left. In doing so, it sets up a vital secondary visual loop, an invisible triangle on top of the grid, that the eye follows and accepts naturally; my eye returns from the nail to the owls head, flows down the owls body to the talons, across the horizontal base to the nail, and repeats that path. The cropping of the window initially sets up a strong base line for the eye to enter the frame at the left and supports the invisible triangle, but it is the angle of the nail the makes the triangle possible. The lean, position. curve and shadow of the nail, as it relates to the owl’s talons creates additional interest without feeling contrived. These little details really assist in showcasing the main event, the owl relaxed and thriving within it’s adopted environment. As stated before there is great harmony in the colors and textures between the owl and surrounding boards.
That’s a fascinating perspective on the nail, Robert. Now I like that little piece of rusty hardware even more than I did before.
The third composition is my favourite as the wood frames the right side and bottom equally- it has a. Ice balance to it and has a modern graphical feel to it. The lighting is fantastic too!
Thanks for providing your take on the composition question, Suze.
Flufferbutts! Those owlets are adorable. The one in the front definitely looks a little suspicious. I’m no help in the voting because I like #3 for the extra black space above the owl that gives a sort of 3D quality to the shot. Plus, the tighter shot on the owl affords a closer look at those gorgeous markings.
Thank you for the link to Ken and his impact on your photography. His generosity definitely adds additional sparkle to your generosity in sharing your talent, passion, and wit with all of us on a daily basis. Definitely triggered some memories about people long gone who were big influences on me, and for that, I thank you heartily.
Thanks, Marty. I imagine many of us have folks like Ken in our past who have had a big positive impact on our lives.
Those owlets are wonderful! I’m glad you got to finally see them. As for the photo composition, I think I prefer the one with wood on both sides. For me it gives better context and looks more finished. I know that one is not “supposed” to center the subject in a photo, but the bird is not centered vertically, so you don’t completely “break” the rule.
Thanks for that feedback, Susan. It looks like #2 is making a comeback in the “voting”…
Ron – I like number two – I know the rule of 3rds etc, but just something about having the bird framed there appeals to me. With number one and three though the light on the owl makes it stand out more than in the framed photo. All great pictures though. Was only around barns a couple times in my life during WW2 when I was a kid in semi-rural Springfield Pennsylvania, but after that pretty much cities and suburbia. Used to drive up to Lancaster County a lot though back in PA and always enjoy seeing all those old barns. Bet you could spend a lot of time taking photos around old farms and barns. Hope you are feeling better.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
It’s a tradeoff, isn’t it, Everett! Tradeoff and compromise.
Yes, besides the owls there’s almost endless photo opportunities on the farm because of all the old buildings, cars and farm equipment.
For composition, the full window is my fave. The barn becomes part of the story in that one.
What you mention about the wood was part of my dilemma, Arwen. I like that old wood so much that I hate to lose any of it.
Strangely, I really love the full picture you added on. Yes, if it were framed I would constantly try to straighten it, but again, the story. 😀
Number 1. I like the context and the texture of the wood, and the blackness gives me a sense of space from which the owl has come and will disappear into.
You make some good points, Mary. Thanks.
I like the first photo, it breaks the image into thirds but I also like the wood to the left in image 2. Damn owl did it have to center itself in the opening!
Ken’s gift has had tremendous effects on many people, where would we all be without your blog, photos and informational text. I know I am a better photographer due to your continued teaching.
“Ken’s gift has had tremendous effects on many people, where would we all be without your blog, photos and informational text. I know I am a better photographer due to your continued teaching”
Excellent point, April. And one I appreciate you making very much.
I’m so glad that you provided the link to your piece about Ken……right up until the last paragraph, I was thinking that besides the gift of life-long friendship that Ken also
cemented–by his gift of funds–your now life-long passion for bird photography……and then you said it yourself ! What a doubly wonderful gift from one man……
Yup, Ken “made a difference” before he left us and even after – a claim that many of us will never have.
Needless to say I love all the pictures. If I had to chose it would be #1…the look of the soft patina of old wood, the darkness surrounding the owl, and then those feathers that are accented by the color of the wood…perfection! 🙂 And the owlets, who could not love them. Read your heartwarming family story… special memories for you…thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life.
Looks like #1 might come out on top…
I’m glad you enjoyed the story about Ken. I still miss him. Thanks, Kathy.
I like the first one, Ron, spite of the asymmetry. To me, there’s more emphasis on the owl in this image compared to the second one.
Thanks for your feedback, Justine.
Ah, old wooden granaries used to store “stuff”! 🙂 We still have one of those…….;) The owlets are cool even with the clutter – wonderful shot with no twigs interfering! I like #1 for the context it gives. The wood matching the owl is great and the owl REALLY pops against the dark hole. I remember the Ken story and him helping you on your photography journey even in death. 🙂 P.S. Know we have to update name/e-mail now and then but seems to be every day now ?????
Judy, When I was growing up there were 7 of those very old granaries on the farm that were no longer used. Since then two of them have blown down in the famous MT wind and there’s not much left of one of the others. I love those old buildings and so do the owls.
I’m not sure what’s going on with WordPress to make that happen to some commenters and not others. I have noticed on my end that some folks who have been commenting for a long time now have to be approved again before their comment will post. It’s supposed to be set up so that once I approve your first comment I don’t have to approve future comments from that person…
“I adore warm light on owls and old wood.” – for good reason I see…what’s not to love about this photo. I’d say the first picture of the 3 I like best for composition. Rule of third thing (which I like), nothing is lost by not having the barnwood on the left side of the photo…and I like the pulled away look vs. the up close look. Killer photo – I’ve never seen an owl like that in a barn window…but I always look. Thank you for sharing not only beautiful photos…but a little about Ron Dudley and who he is and what is important to him. That’s nice 🙂
Thanks very much, Zaph. I’m beginning to lean toward that first version too, in part because I love that old, bent and rusty nail at the lower right corner. I keep wondering if my dad pounded that nail as a teenager or very young man…
I’d like to think he did and there’s no reason not to believe that the nail is his handiwork. I say have at it. Always good to connect with where we come from 🙂