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Awards
Chatter Award
Contest Finalist in Beautiful Owls Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Anything Birds Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Birds Of A Feather Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Genius
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Top Ranks
CathieMoog
May 28, 2016
I love the focus in the eyes and the detail in the features - great depth of field choice. That expression is classic -- such personality. It looks like she is saying, "Oh Really, just what do you think you're doing over there?"
catherinethompson
October 31, 2016
This is absolutely fabulous. The detail and clarity, the eyes and the look in them. Well done.
john_arsenault
April 14, 2017
a masterpiece; if this was hot in a controlled setting, it certainly does not look it. well done!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in Northern Wisconsin when a Northern Hawk Owl decided to overwinter about one hour from my home. It gave me a rare opportunity to observe and picture this owl, who was not at all shy, several times through an extremely cold winter. I managed to do some frost damage to my fingers that winter trying to picture "Lars" as he or she was called by the media, and to this day they are extremely sensitive to cold, but it was worth it.Time
I normally end up at the area that Lars was wintering about 2-5:00 pm, and then I would continue on to do my shopping and errands as we live in a rural area and Lars was living just outside a bigger city, so I would take pictures and then thaw out again while I shopped for weekly supplies.Lighting
Natural lighting.Equipment
Canon 60D with 400 5.6 prime lens, I believe is what I used for this picture.Inspiration
Lars, the Northern Hawk Owl, was a tiny bundle of feathers that decorated a HUGE personality. Admirers from 5-6 states would often be there to watch his or her antics, and Lars never disappointed. Since I lived closer than most, I spent many hours observing Lars by myself, and it was the best winter I have had in a long time (but really really cold!).Editing
I just cropped the picture and did color enhancement a little. That was about it.In my camera bag
I have everything but the kitchen sink in my Jeep! For Lars, the most important equipment was heated gloves and warm clothing, as he or she was in an open area where the wind always blew, and temps that winter were well below zero every time I went to watch the little bugger.Feedback
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. This little owl came to Northern Wisconsin, set up shop in a suburb just outside of a major city off a major highway, and then wowed his audiences (which were extensive) all winter long. It was an experience I will never forget.