Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Great Striped Prayer Owl

Discussion

14 replies
Posted by Helge Sorensen on March 23, 2006 at 8:52 AM
Great Striped Prayer Owl
- or just a Northern Hawk Owl doing it's thing...

I only got this one shot of this attack, and it could use a bit more sharpness, so I'm not too happy with it, but I think the pose was pretty funny. It also shows an interesting behaviour: The closed eyes. Most Hawks and Owls close their eyes in the moment of impact, I guess to protect the eyes from protruding grasses, branches or the prey itself.

20D + 500/4; iso400, 1/4000, f5.6; handheld and cropped to vertical.
Posted by Mark sellings on March 23, 2006 at 9:04 AM
Wow! :toast:

Fantastic action, didn't even notice about the sharpness and so wouldn't worry about it - one of those pictures where technical perfection isn't necessary. Only nit I could think of is I'm not sure about the composition but can't place my finger on why or how it could be changed. Oh, and the subject has got his eyes closed :biggrin:

Brilliant stuff :toast:

Mark
Posted by Michael Sayles on March 23, 2006 at 9:40 AM
Super shot - sharpness doesn't seem to be an issue (not at this size anyway).

Excellent timing - the pose and the closed eyes are great (and the title of your post is very funny and very apt!).

Michael S
Posted by Tim Munsey on March 23, 2006 at 11:43 AM
Cool, I'd play with levels to brighten it up though. Super shot.

:toast:

Tim
Posted by John Chapman on March 23, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Hi Helge
what can I say just Brilliant.
John
Aberdeen :wavey: :toast:
Posted by David Kjaer on March 23, 2006 at 12:14 PM
Hi Helge

:eek: awesome action shot - I think the composition and sharpness are fine. Love it!

David :toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Phillip Tomkinson on March 23, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Hi Helge that is so cool what a great shot.

Phillip.
:toast: :toast: :wavey:
Posted by Justin on March 23, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Superb image Helge.That pose is amazing. :toast:
Posted by Dave Courtenay on March 23, 2006 at 1:55 PM
Great shot Helge-your the man when it comes to owls :toast:
Posted by John MacTavish on March 23, 2006 at 2:07 PM
Be happy.
100% sharp or not, this one is worth keeping.

You have some collection of birds of prey now Helge.


John :toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Clive_S on March 23, 2006 at 2:34 PM
Simply superb :toast:
Posted by Vincent Jones on March 23, 2006 at 4:09 PM
Another stonking image Helge & handheld to, brilliant in everyway especially with the eyes close :toast:

Did he bow after you taken this shot :biggrin:

Nice one

Vince :wavey:
Posted by PhilH on March 24, 2006 at 8:57 AM
A cracker, good timing....

:toast: :toast:
Posted by writepic on March 24, 2006 at 9:41 AM

hi helge, yes i can see it in clintons cards already....no dont shoot i have no arms.....

seriously though, what a fantastic shot.

mark
Posted by Philip Kirkham on March 24, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Hello Helge
You really are the Daddy of owl images. Another amazing shot, very nicely captured.
Best wishes
Phil :toast: :toast: