As a few of you already know, one of my 'current projects' are Little Owls who are residing in a rather large Oak tree where the front of one of the large branches has been torn away, exposing their lookout. convenient, as this is where the sun comes in, in the afternoon.
I wanted to show most of the surround to give the image 'context'. Some of the internal bark has created some weird effects and almost gives a painted/blocked colouration in parts to some of the shots? To the rear of the branch is another 'bolt hole' where, if you are not looking, they will fly from whilst you sit patiently, hey Major G?
Hoping next month they will breed, meaning new arrivals in June fingers crossed.
Steve
MKIII 500f/4 1.4x 1/200 f/6.3 ISO200 (FF, Bean bag)
Posted by Calum Dickson on April 15, 2010 at 10:11 AM
I was wondering when you were going to post one of these
I think the surround makes this stand out from the norm. The diagonal hollow where the owl is perched leads the viewer nicely to the subject from both top and bottom. Those yellow eyes are fantastic. Top stuff as usual, looking forward to seeing more perhaps with the new arrivals
Calum
To me, the eye's look slightly strange - one appears to be looking ahead and the other at you, but that's down to the subject and nothing you could do about that.
Otherwise as Calum says, look forward to seeing more as the 'project' develops
Posted by Kim Connolly on April 15, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Ahh the Patrick Moore of the Owl world Got a little project going on these myself. Lovely colours and clarity on the Owl Steve and nicely composed. Looking forward to seeing more
Posted by Mark Green on April 15, 2010 at 11:23 AM
i see what you mean about the eyes. Nice, I really like this picture nice to see different enviroments too.
Cheers
Mark.G
Posted by Andy Gregory on April 15, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Great shot Stephen.
Posted by Karen Summers on April 15, 2010 at 12:45 PM
its a nice shot but I find the oof wood at the front a little to imposing.
Nice setting and the lighting on this is just right with good tones trough out.
I am hoping to get some nice shots of these my self this year as I have found a good location not two far from home and the farmer is more than happy for me to do them.
Nice natural setting, I didnt notice the eyes until i read the the above comments, I dont think the oof wood imposes if anything it makes the bird pop but thats just my opinion-nice project-look forward to more
Dave
Posted by Mark Davies on April 15, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Nicely done sir
Posted by Craig Jones on April 15, 2010 at 2:32 PM
Strong composition,when you think people pay good money to go to a bird of prey place and get these kind of images from captive birds to their liking,this way please,look at the camera,smile etc,but you have managed this in the wild,that I commend you for,great detail too.brilliant
Posted by Iain Tookey on April 15, 2010 at 3:31 PM
Absolutely cracking shot there!
Personally, I much prefer seeing a bit of the subjects environment, and this is just where I'd expect to see them!
Nice picture , is it alone Steve or have you seen two yet ?.
Bob.
Posted by Nigel Blake on April 16, 2010 at 2:47 AM
As much as I really like this image for showing the 'needle sharp' detailed Little Owl in typical nesting surroundings, I find those surroundings a bit too dominant in the frame, a higher PoV would have been desirable perhaps?
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply & comment.
Hi Nigel, the only option to change the POV would be to climb a tree opposite to the Owls. As they are 'Wild' and perhaps hoping to breed shortly, I have no intention in disturbing them by trying to get a closer. I do have tighter images, however 'minimal disruption and distress for me is key. Unlike garden birds where the set up is easy and they are almost tame because of feeders, this has taken a while for them to accept & tolerate my presence and I do not wish to jepordise this or their future as I am sure you will appreciate.
Thanks
Steve
Posted by David Kjaer on April 16, 2010 at 8:12 AM
Nice one Stephen!
David
Posted by Ian Haskell on April 18, 2010 at 6:44 PM
Discussion
17 repliesI wanted to show most of the surround to give the image 'context'. Some of the internal bark has created some weird effects and almost gives a painted/blocked colouration in parts to some of the shots? To the rear of the branch is another 'bolt hole' where, if you are not looking, they will fly from whilst you sit patiently, hey Major G?
Hoping next month they will breed, meaning new arrivals in June fingers crossed.
Steve
MKIII 500f/4 1.4x 1/200 f/6.3 ISO200 (FF, Bean bag)
I think the surround makes this stand out from the norm. The diagonal hollow where the owl is perched leads the viewer nicely to the subject from both top and bottom. Those yellow eyes are fantastic. Top stuff as usual, looking forward to seeing more perhaps with the new arrivals
Calum
Otherwise as Calum says, look forward to seeing more as the 'project' develops
Cheers
Mark.G
Nice setting and the lighting on this is just right with good tones trough out.
I am hoping to get some nice shots of these my self this year as I have found a good location not two far from home and the farmer is more than happy for me to do them.
Good luck and I hope you get your new arrivals.
Dave
Personally, I much prefer seeing a bit of the subjects environment, and this is just where I'd expect to see them!
Bob.
Hi Nigel, the only option to change the POV would be to climb a tree opposite to the Owls. As they are 'Wild' and perhaps hoping to breed shortly, I have no intention in disturbing them by trying to get a closer. I do have tighter images, however 'minimal disruption and distress for me is key. Unlike garden birds where the set up is easy and they are almost tame because of feeders, this has taken a while for them to accept & tolerate my presence and I do not wish to jepordise this or their future as I am sure you will appreciate.
Thanks
Steve
David
Ian