Branching Owlet

Gallery: AvianPosted September 5, 2014851 views20 comments

Hi everyone! I don't think I ever posted my version of this image. My dad shared one of his images of this guy a little over a year ago, so I think it's time to share mine. We were photographing one of this guys siblings when we heard him and the rest of his siblings screeching in the forest, so we decided to investigate. We were walking along when suddenly my dad stopped. We looked up and this guy was just staring at us. My dad had almost walked right into him! He had to be one of the most cooperative owlets we've ever found. It was such an awesome experience!

NOT baited or manipulated in any way!!

Thank y'all for lookin'!

Nikon D300
Nikkor AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF-ED VR lens
ISO 800
1/125sec @ f/6.3

Comments

20 comments

Comment posted by Ken Smith on September 5, 2014 at 8:42 PM

This is awfully good…wow! @@ The sliver of sun light on the eyes could not be drawn up any better. And seeing the detail including the lid of the eye in the larger version is a delight. Funny how owls can be so calm and unhurried in the wild. I also like the way the branch fades to dark in the corner… well done shooting and processing. Congrats on this winner.

Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on September 5, 2014 at 8:43 PM

Hey Jenaya,
You sure took advantage of a special moment with this great image. Keeping your cool during unexpected thrilling moments is so important to obtain those 'Money Shots'. You have a 'Money Shot' here with that nice perch, outstanding detail, superb lighting and great pose.

Beans !

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on September 5, 2014 at 10:49 PM

What a stunning shot, with the spotlight just where you want it. It's great to see an owl in a darkish environment, where you'd expect. Just beautiful, and such a nice story to go with it.

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Tjie Poo on September 5, 2014 at 11:45 PM

What a magnificent capture ! The pose, details, colors and lighting are superb ! Congrats !

Registered on December 4, 2012, 51 Posts, 511 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 6, 2014 at 12:38 AM

WOW!!! That light is incredible! And what a wonderful model you found to go with it. I like the spotlight effect on the youngsters face, wonderful details and that perch is freaking awesome too.

Sweet One Jenaya

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on September 6, 2014 at 12:55 AM

Yeah, you absolutely nailed this one, Jaye! Great technique to get this perfectly sharp in the low light we were in in the forest and you without your tripod! Feather detail is just mesmerizing, but obviously it's the gorgeous light on the face and those amazing eyes that make this one rock. Fantastic job, and an amazing image!

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on September 6, 2014 at 3:10 AM

Everything about this image is perfect in my eyes Jenaya,it really is excellent.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on September 6, 2014 at 8:11 AM

What stunning light Jenaya - nice perch and stare as well

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Berry on September 6, 2014 at 8:58 AM

Amazing capture. Well done!!!!! I particularly like the lighting.

Registered on June 20, 2014, 17 Posts, 71 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on September 6, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Great lighting on the face. Way to go.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on September 6, 2014 at 9:59 AM

Jenaya: This is a very, very nice image. Perfect demonstration of photography being all about the light. This is an image that draws me in, and does not want to let go. Excellent technique, capture, and processing.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on September 6, 2014 at 1:14 PM

Nice shot of this youngster, Jenaya.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Jefferson Silva on September 6, 2014 at 9:02 PM

This is incredibly beautiful!
What a light hitting the bird face! Just beautiful!

Registered on December 18, 2012, 162 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Ashleigh Scully on September 7, 2014 at 12:46 PM

Wow just incredible! The light is perfect and what a cool story too. Awesome!!!

Registered on November 4, 2013, 36 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on September 7, 2014 at 3:02 PM

Sweet, sweet light!

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on September 7, 2014 at 4:38 PM

Wonderful shot!

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 7, 2014 at 7:13 PM

Wonderful light and a great stare in this one, Jenaya. I do wish you hadn't had that bright bg in the LRC as it's a bit distracting, but a very fine image nonetheless.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on September 9, 2014 at 10:38 PM

Really love your use of selective lighting in this Jenaya. Wouldn't change a thing...would just print large and hang. Also think this should win WP.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on September 10, 2014 at 10:02 AM

Your very best! Well done!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on September 13, 2014 at 1:36 PM

Jenaya, congratulations on the WP for this image in the Avian gallery. Very nice capture.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments