But a different composition of the same photo drastically changes the viewer’s perception.
Note: I posted one of these versions of this photo eight years ago but when I stumbled across it again last night my perception of the image changed significantly.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This Barn Owl at Farmington Bay WMA had dived into the snow after a vole and missed. ‘He’ sat on the surface of the snow for a few moments before taking off again and in this photo I caught him soon after liftoff.
We see the owl and his shadow on the snow which almost appears to be chasing him. The exploding snow at the right edge of the frame was disturbed during his launch. The position of his left wing in front of his face isn’t ideal but in this case I can live with it.
Especially when I see a different composition of the same photo.
.
In this full frame (uncropped) version of the same image my perspective of the photo changes drastically. Now we see three versions of the owl – his shadow on the snow, the impression on the snow he made when he took off and the owl itself.
And then there’s the outline of the larger shadow on the right. I see a profile of a human face in that shadow. I think it strongly resembles one of the iconic monolithic statues called moai on Easter Island. For me that resemblance is so strong it’s almost like the shadow is the primary subject of the photo, drawing my eye away from the owl.
Whether that ambiguity is a strength or a weakness is debatable but for me it only makes the image more interesting.
Ron
The Easter Island reference is hard to miss, right? Did you know those statues were created as an homage to ancestors then placed as protectors? 😀
The uncropped image is brilliant – the moai resemblance is absolute.
“the moai resemblance is absolute”
I think so too, Gary. For me it’s immediate and intense.
So beautiful! And isn’t it extraordinary that they can hear the critters under all that snow…I just love the wonder of it all…..
“And isn’t it extraordinary that they can hear the critters under all that snow”
It sure is, Karen. That weird facial disc they have must serve its purpose very effectively.
#teamuncropped 😉 I know I talk about wall-worthy shots a lot, but I’d up the ante and put the uncropped shot into the museum-worthy category. What an evocative piece of art! I’m especially looking forward to EC’s take on it.
And we were both typing at the same time! Typical. 😂
Marty, I doubt if its that good (museum-worthy) but I’ll admit that I keep coming back to it. I think it’s interesting on several levels.
Speaking for myself if any one of the Easter Island statues suddenly popped up in my vicinity my shadow and I would vamoose too.
(Perhaps it is the god of slaughtered voles?).
Perception does indeed change everything…
PS: The god of the voles is currently looking the other way (waiting for reinforcements?). IF it turned to face the owl, the owls shadow (lacking in intestinal fortitude) would over take the owl in the flight to safer ground…
Good point in your first sentence, EC.
SO cool! (pun intended) LOL
Thanks, Kathleen.
Great caption to a great photo. Captions matter too.
I agree, Bob – they do.
The ghost of Easter Island religion stalking the Great Salt Lake? That is a disturbing thought.
From what vantage were you able to photograph the top of a Barn Owl?
Porcupine, all I remember is that I was shooting from my pickup. Perhaps the owl was on the side of a slope.
Wow, what a wonderful series! Perception! Perhaps this series is philosophy via images.
Remarkable art/work, thank you!
“philosophy via images”
Now that’s an interesting way to look at it. Thanks, Mary.
This is a fun one. I’ll see your four images and raise you one, maybe two: starting under the moai’s nose and continuing down the shadow’s edge is another image of the flying owl. I suppose you could look at the whole outline of the moai’s face and see another flying owl.
Thanks, Lyle. It’s all about perspective and perception isn’t it. And ambiguity.
What great fun! Love both the cropped and uncropped version but esp the latter. Just to show that packrats who never bin shots have a lot more fun than the disciplined bin types! 😁😁😁
Granny Pat, I’ve become more undisciplined in that regard with the passage of time.
What a fabulous photo! I agree with everything that Judy said, and I think that’s what the added shadow is a story unto itself…
Much appreciated, Alison.
VBG! Neat, fun shot – perspective sure does change between the cropped and uncropped! He REALLY hit the snow in his attempt at the Vole. The “face” shadow certainly does look like the Easter Island statues. Wonderful to be able to come back and see things a bit differently in a shot. 😉
Judy, they typically plunge into the snow feet and face first and at a pretty good clip so the snow impression they leave behind can be quite distinct.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photo so much.