I took these at two different locations. Both using a rented 300mm f/2.8 (instead of my normal 300mm f/4) and a 2x tc and all were handheld. One location was just south of Barr Lake and the other Pawnee NG (special thanks to Pat Sampson for sharing the location)
This first one was at the Barr Lake location
Same location, but in flight. I was shooting him still at ISO 250 and he flew...forgot I was on ISO 250, so blur in the wings was more than I like, but did I get the head sharp enough to make this one work?
What a great series!
I'm amazed that they're as sharp as they are handholding that combo.
Love the rakish pose in #2.
The blurred wings in #3 don't bother me a bit. My second favorite.
However, these weren't quite ready for prime time yet.
All are somewhat underexposed and lacking contrast to one degree or another. Nothing a simple Levels adjustment won't cure.
Check the histogram on all of them.
That minor (and correctable) issue notwithstanding, you sure got some great images on this day.
Posted by Klaus Priebe on July 7, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Excellent images. Very nice catch on the flight shot.
The first 3 images are my favourites, just because the background is more neutral. The slight blur in the wings in #3 doesn't bother me at all either, the eyes are sharp and that's what I am drawn to. Very nice!.
The blur of the wings in the second shot actually adds to it by adding a sense of motion. I agree with John that they could all use a bit more contrast and/or exposure. I get sore just thinking about hand-holding that combo. Nicely done!
Kurt, you had a very productive evening with these owls. I lean toward the first three, especially #2. I do like the color in the last ones more, but there seems to be some haloing on the edges. Maybe sharpening for the web, or a higher iso? Excellent nonetheless and you did well to get so close to these birds.
Posted by Dan Walters on July 10, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Great shots Kurt! That flight shot is really nice.
Discussion
12 repliesThis first one was at the Barr Lake location
I'm amazed that they're as sharp as they are handholding that combo.
Love the rakish pose in #2.
The blurred wings in #3 don't bother me a bit. My second favorite.
However, these weren't quite ready for prime time yet.
All are somewhat underexposed and lacking contrast to one degree or another. Nothing a simple Levels adjustment won't cure.
Check the histogram on all of them.
That minor (and correctable) issue notwithstanding, you sure got some great images on this day.