wild_man_photo
FollowI stood outside in -12 degree weather for nearly three hours watching this amazing creature move from tree to tree while hunting. I did my best to guess where ...
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I stood outside in -12 degree weather for nearly three hours watching this amazing creature move from tree to tree while hunting. I did my best to guess where he was going to land next, and with a little patience, I succeeded! (Note: this is a re-edit from a former image that I posted, updating my noise control technique, and bringing the Owl closer to the viewer, as requested by a fan of the shot.)
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Depth In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Portraits Photo Contest
People's Choice in Angry Birds Photo Challenge
Winner in Only Owls Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Wings in Motion Photo Contest
Winner in patience is a virtue Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 35
Winner in Owls at their best Photo Challenge
Member Selection Award
Contest Finalist in Evocative Wildlife Photo Contest
Pro Photographer of the Month
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 24 Photo Contest
People's Choice in Best Wild Birds not captive Photo Challenge
Winner in Birds of Prey Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Categories
Pamelabole
September 14, 2016
Wow!!!!......what an amazing capture....gorgeous!! Congrats on your well deserved People's Choice award!!! : )
Litasbeautifullife
September 25, 2016
Yay congratulations i voted for this photo, I love it. Well done
cathymaher50shine
September 26, 2016
This is simply spectacular...i showed my son this picture..he is getting an owl tattoo..just glorious..love it
Pamelabole
November 19, 2016
Still loving this photo.....amazing capture!!!! Congrats on another Contest Award!!! : )
DebbieKMiller81
November 19, 2016
This is an amazing picture. Well done. I hope you thawed out quickly.
lisamacinnes
March 09, 2017
The branch the owl appears to be sitting on is so small compared to the owl. Amazing photo.
Grollie
March 21, 2017
congrats on winning my Challenge "patience is a virtue" !!!
was a close call between couple of photo's...
Having the patience to wait for three hours in freezing temps, studying behaviour of your subject is what my challenge was all about.
Again, congrats !!!
Luc
was a close call between couple of photo's...
Having the patience to wait for three hours in freezing temps, studying behaviour of your subject is what my challenge was all about.
Again, congrats !!!
Luc
andrevondeling
July 26, 2017
Love this image and thank you for joining my challenge wildlife (no zoo) striking a pose. Being a purist I choose another non cropped or re-edited image as the winner, but it was a very, very close call. Andre
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was made in Sax Zim Bog, in Northern Minnesota.Time
Late morning/early afternoon.Lighting
With the time of day, blowing out the shot would have been an easy thing to do, so I was constantly taking test shots to make sure the highlights weren't out of control. When it came time for the shot, practice paid off!Equipment
I shot this image using my Canon 6D and Tamron 150-600mm VC lens, handheld.Inspiration
In the movie "The Big Year", Jack Black's character goes out into the woods with his father, and together they find a Great Gray Owl. It was a fantastic moment, and one that made me a little emotional. I wanted that moment for my father and I, so we packed up and went to Minnesota!Editing
Yes. Shooting in raw, especially in harsh light situations, there needs to be some post processing done to bring out the most in your image. This process was fairly minimal, I just did some contrast and clarity adjustments to bring the best out of the Owl, and brightened the background around the edges just slightly to draw the eye into the Owl.In my camera bag
I shoot a lot of wildlife, so focal range is essential for me. I always have my two bodies, a Canon 6D and Canon 7D Mark ii. For lenses I have my Tamron 150-600mm VC, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC, and Canon 50mm f/1.4. That generally covers the gamut, depending on what I need to shoot. I also use a promaster shoulder sling strap, a Lee Big Stopper system for long exposure work, and a Sirui monopod (and occasionally tripod) with me as well.Feedback
Patience is key. Spending time with whatever you are photographing is a big part of setting yourself apart from other peoples work. Knowing your subject, their motivations, how they move, and so forth will allow you to get that amazing once in a lifetime shot. I waited for three hours to make this photo! Wait for the right time, know your surroundings, and amazing things will happen for you.