Sidelight doesn’t always appeal to me. In fact it usually doesn’t but I think it works pretty well with this Barn Owl.
1/3200, 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
Just over two years ago I found it on a weathered post next to the water of Unit 1 at Farmington Bay which meant I had no chance to get anything but sidelight that time of morning. Through my lens and in the original photo there was almost no detail in its shaded plumage but a little minor (and I do mean minor, I don’t like to do very much) processing filled in the detail there to my satisfaction. It’s times like this that I’m sure glad I shoot in RAW rather than jpeg.
Besides, conditions have to be a hell of a lot worse than this to make me pass up a Barn Owl in daylight. Lots of folks live near these nocturnal owls for their entire lives and never see them except in twilight or near-darkness.
And some of those same folks never see them at all.
Ron
PS – It’s now been several weeks since I’ve been able to do any serious shooting because of circumstances mostly related to inversions, storms and crappy air and light. I don’t want to jinx myself by saying this but… the forecast now includes good possibilities for clear air and at least some sunshine each day for much of the next week. So if the forecasters know what they’re talking about (truly a long shot based on their track record) there’s finally some hope!
I agree with EC, I also will never tire of your Owl shots.
Great shot even in side-light.
Thank you, Dick.
Side-light worked most excellently in this shot.
And I will never, ever tire of your owl shots. Whatever the lighting.
Delighted to hear that, EC. Thanks.
So lovely. I’m fortunate enough to see these beauties frequently.
Lucky you! Most years I only see them a times.
Love it!
Thanks, Jean.
Gorgeous! As were yesterday’s Pronghorns. I know you’re itching to get out and shoot, but I’m happy seeing some of your archived and not-yet-published gems. Crossing fingers that we both get our wishes!
I actually went shooting this morning, Marty. Had beautiful light and even a few birds. Thank you.
Marvelous photo! I love the side light, and as is often my case, half hidden…
I’m glad you like it, Nicky. Thanks.
Sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
I love the way the sidelight seems to move through and out of the feathers, picking up the small confetti-like markings and making them “stand up”—very interesting in its
effect–also, having half of the disc of the face in shadow gives it even more drama……I really enjoyed this image !
Good! Thank you, Kris.
I LIKE it! 🙂 AND I’m with you on getting daylight shots of any owl! It’s golden color and slight speckling is beautiful… None of those here as you know. Good luck on the weather! Still doing high winds here and cloudy – VERY dreary……….
We finally had a beautiful morning today, Judy. I actually went shooting and found several cooperative birds. I needed that fix!
The light gives the shot exquisite detail of the wind-raised small feathers on the bird’s back. This is the kind of detail that the best painters give us – the tiny elements that tell the viewer “Yes, this is real.” In photography, back to Matthew Brady, it’s what compels the viewer to look around the whole shot and take in information, it’s snagging you like barbed wire. This light – it shows the translucence of the feathers. The verticality of the bird and post – some classic Japanese paintings. I wonder if you’d like a rendition of this shot with a more vertical crop…
Martha, I actually worked up two versions of this shot, a horizontal and a vertical composition. I liked them both but chose to post this one because I post links to my posts on Facebook and FB always butchers vertical comps in their preview image. They look TERRIBLE!
Boy, don’t they ever. . . same here…
No problem with side light. I would rather see this beautiful bird in the sidelight than to not see it at all. Early mornings are tough with the sun coming up and your subject not cooperating with how it positions itself. We get to see our eagles most often in the early mornings, but they generally perch with their backs to the sun and in some cases the topography prohibits you from working your way around even for a side light. Hope the weather gives you a chance to get out and get some new opportunities.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
“in some cases the topography prohibits you from working your way around even for a side light”
That was exactly the situation with this owl, Everett. I’d have had to drive about 40′ into the water of Unit 1 to avoid sidelight on this bird.
Oh my!!! What a beauty! ❤️ Those feathers…the detail is spectacular. I can just imagine what he would look like in perfect lighting. And of course the face is so striking. Lucky, lucky you. I’ve never seen one. Wishing you get your good weather…I’ve been in my car for traveling for three days with my camera near by and nothing but dull, grey/white skies.
That type of sky really sucks for photography! I wish you better luck soon. Thanks, Kathy.
What a spectacular photo. The side light works so perfectly here!
Thanks, Joanne.
The shading and pastel background add an artistic style, a kind of vey cool “studio” effect. Enhances ithe Barn Owl’s naturally dignified and intelligent demeanor. That’s my impression, anyway.
And your impression is important to me, Lyle. Thank you.
I love the way this handsome Owl is looking right at you, Ron. Thanks for sharing him with us. I’m one of those who’s never had the pleasure of seeing one in the wild!! Got my fingers & toes crossed for you that you get the good weather as promised – so you can do what you love!!
You’re far from alone in never seeing them, despite how widespread they are, Jo Ann. Their nocturnal habits are a big part of the reason for that. Thank you.
p.s. good luck with that weather forecast
Thanks, Steve. I’m going a little stir-crazy with cabin fever.
Beautiful shot Ron…Barn owls are very cool birds….is he(or she) standing on one leg?…if so, it looks like a pretty burly leg.
Yes, I believe it is. It was quite relaxed with me that close.