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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Beautiful Owls Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Anything Birds Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Only Owls Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Birds On Branches Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Our Natural World Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Celebrating Nature Photo Contest Vol 1
Featured
Runner Up in Eagles Or Owls Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Eagles Or Owls Photo Contest
Runner Up in Birds Of A Feather Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Birds Of A Feather Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Rule Of Thirds Essentials Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 18 Photo Contest
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
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Superior Skill
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Kathy_Banich
December 11, 2015
A stunning wildlife scene with incredible detail and flattering natural light. Simply Awesome!
Jennuinenature
February 05, 2016
Absolutely Amazing!
The photo I strive to find is that of an owl. I have one that sits atop the church behind my house on the steeple at night. Too far away and too dark, but I will get him one day.
The photo I strive to find is that of an owl. I have one that sits atop the church behind my house on the steeple at night. Too far away and too dark, but I will get him one day.
BLPhotography
February 05, 2016
Great capture. I believe that is the smallest owl. At least in N. America. I have only seen two. One sat like that and it seemed pretty docile. I didn't get a picture because I had left my camera in the motorhome and it was getting too dark to go back and get it and back to take the picture. I envy you this is an excellent shot. Bob
MatthewMosesPhotography
February 07, 2016
Thanks Bob, this was the first I've ever seen. Now if I could ever find the elusive Boreal owl
SnowbunnyPhotography
February 11, 2016
Love, love, love this image!! We have one at the wildlife center where I work. They are SO cute! You captured her/him perfectly. :-)
maureenshay
March 20, 2016
This really speaks to me-great composition combined with muted colors and then the bright eyes effectively holds your perusal in place,Background complements crispness of branches in forground
MatthewMosesPhotography
March 21, 2016
Thanks everyone for your comments and sharing what you like about this photo. I was definitely appreciative for the short time I got with this little owl.
WolfEyesPhotography
November 28, 2018
Fantastic, ethereal photo with engaging subject and soft tones - awesome!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Sometimes you are lucky. This was actually shot right off the deck of the house I was living at. The neighbors were having their property logged in late winter to clear out all the old dying trees. Woke up in the morning to the dogs barking at the window and found this owl snoozing in the tree.Time
There was just after 8am on a late February morning in Northern Minnesota. A very cold time of year!Lighting
Lots of soft winter light reflecting off the snow cover. It was probably 10F out so the air was cool and the sun wasn't too bright yet and it provided the great catch light and side light.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D3 and a 600mm lens on a Wimberely tripod head. For those that are curious was 1/320 at F/6.3 and ISO 400.Inspiration
Seeing this lifer owl, sitting right outside my window Just had to get as many pictures as I could before if flew off. Turns out it stayed around for a few hours so I got to enjoy it for quite a while.Editing
In Lightroom I cloned out a few sensor dust spots in the background. Added a small bit of clarity, adjusted the black down and the whites up a little bit. In photoshop applied sharpening via the hi-pass filter applied as an overlay.In my camera bag
Really depends on the day. These days, a Nikon D800 and my 16-35mm landscape lens. If I am going after birds or wildlife then the 600/F4, sturdy trip-pod, and my Wimberely head. Plenty of fresh batteries and already formatted memory cards.Feedback
Lots of patience, get that exposure and focus right. Have to move deliberately to take advantage of a scene when it falls in your lap!