Silent Sentinel

Ashleigh, it does seem a tad dark, though that certainly gives the image a nice moodiness. Also, the very dark tones combined with your extreme subject placement almost lose the owl in the corner. I do like what you were going for composition-wise and don't have an issue with the general concept, but I wonder if just a little more breathing room on the left and maybe top would've helped make the owl and its perch stand out a bit more.

Max

While dark, I think it gives well the feeling of evening. The owl's position is a bit extreme, not anywhere near thirds, but I like the space he's looking into.

Ashleigh: I like the way you pushed the limits on this image. It is a bold composition. That said, I do wish it had a touch more room on the left. The dark mood sets the stage well for an owl image. Maybe just a touch more light on the owl to help separate the subject would make this stronger. Keep those images coming. Love to see what you're out there thinking and capturing.

Just in time for the Halloween - -like the dark tone and all the space on the right. It all works for me

It is a beauty Ashleigh ! I like the composition, exposure and everything as it is !

Thx everyone so much for your comments. I do have some room in the original on the left and above so ill try another version and post tomorrow morning. When I saw the owl it was really dark but there was some light from the sun setting behind the tetons so I want to make sure I keep the exposure to what I saw and not overdo it. I understand everyones feedback and Ill try to make some little changes.

Hi Ashieigh, I really like the moody feel to this and I can't wait to see it with your improvements applied. Way to go!

Hi, ok I made the image a little smaller and gave him as much space as I had from the original file on the left and the top. I know this isn't rule of thirds but I still like the comp. I brightened him a little bit more. I also could have darkened the aspens behind him to make him stand out more but left them alone. Let me know if you think this is an improvement. THank you!

Hi Ashleigh:

I think the re-post is stronger. Feels balanced a bit better to me. Nice work!

Definitely an improvement. Nice work!

Max

While I enjoy both images and the mood conveyed, I feel the repost is a bit stronger. There also seems to be more room on the right in the repost which could be cropped more or less where the vertical black band is. This will further move the owl towards the third line while maintaining your diagonal pointer... not that photographic "rules" are not meant to be broken though.

Ashleigh, I like this a lot as posted. The mood in this image is great. Call me crazy but I can't help thinking about putting a great big full moon in the upper right corner and calling it photo art. Maybe it's the Halloween spirit coming out in me. The light angle would work with the owl too. Just something fun to think about. Fantastic shot as is!

I really like this photo as you present it in the repost Ashlegh I think the latest version is better balanced and much easier to visually explore. The diagonal tree line leading to the owl makes this photo for me. Excellent composition.

Sweet One!

The repost is lovely; a nice, moody photo perfectly suitable for the time of year. It's a very strong composition, nicely balanced and the owl is just right. Good stuff!

I could echo the others, but instead will only say: the original post is very nice already - the repost is a hammer , Hans

Very nice find, Ashleigh. You even got an eye to show up well in the low light. The repost is much better balanced and gives a very good feel of the habitat. You might consider reducing the brightness of the aspens in the background as they draw the attention away from the subject. But that is a minor nit.

Ashleigh: phenomenal. Very memorable image. I expect this one will do well for you in competitions. Great drama and perhaps most importantly, it's a different take on a relatively common bird. For what it's worth, the repost is a marked improvement IMO but as Hans and others have said, it was already solid. Congrats!!

Ashleigh,
Sorry that I missed this first time round
Firstly I congratulate you on your bravery ISO 4000 on a MkIII is extreme, although I do recall doing some Lions at 3200 some time ago,
I am not surprised you got lots of noise!
The positioning in the re-post is better, and why stick to rules invented by Italian landscape painters?

Great image

Thank you everyone for your comments

Superb piece of work Ashleigh.

Keith.

Hey Ashleigh,
Sweet . . .
I've said it before, you have an instinct and talent way beyond your years.
This is one of those images that transfers to a large print format very well and as John mentioned should do well in competitions. I do prefer the repost, congratulations on the WP . . .
Beans !

Congratulations on the Editor's Pick, Ashleigh! Well-deserved.

Ashleigh,
I can't add to the critique of the others, but want to say it is a very interesting image.

Thank you again everyone and thank you NPN for the weekly pick I'm really honored!!

Ashleigh - congratulations!! I left a note on this image on the forum WP announcement, too, but had to add another comment of praise for a wonderfully seen and captured image. Isn't it funny how this is "just a GHO sitting in a not-particularly-intriguing-tree" and yet it's commanded tremendous feedback and interest since you posted it. I drive past these scenes all the time in SW Alberta but you did something about it. What works for me most is it's just totally classic...it is a perfect portrayal of a GHO doing its thing exactly where and when (time of day) you expect it. Yes, there's great comp and mood and wonderful use of diagonal tonal contrast that "happens" to show off the subject perfectly, but in the end for me it's most powerful in its simple "honesty." Congrats...you'd better get used to receiving a lot of awards and even more praise for your wildlife photography...you're going to be one of the trendsetters in the coming years (starting already).

What a brilliantly composed image! Even stronger on the repost. Way to go! And you keep goin' girl!! Congrats on the WP!

Congratulations. A wonderful composition that tells us a lot about this particular owl. Your final edits appear to have enhanced the image. Darkness is one aspect of photography that most photographers fail to exploit. I think you managed the darkness quite well without using any flash. The owl certainly appreciated that too. Once again good job........................................Jim