Horned Owl
Conowiingo Bald Eagle Day
Conowiingo Bald Eagle Day
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Jul, 2015Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken on November 8th, 2014, during the "2014 Conawingo Bald Eagle Day" at the Conawingo Dam in Darlington, Maryland (Harford County). Conawingo Dam is famous for the Bald Eagles that are there. During the Bald Eagle Day, they have many conservationists that provide information on the wildlife in the area. This owl was part of that exhibit.Time
It was taken around noon when the sun was bright and keeping us warm during a chilly November day.Lighting
This Horned Owl was taken with natural light as he was sitting on his handlers arm. It was a bit of a challenge since his handler was sitting in the shade and the light would cast more shadows as people were walking by, so I had to time the shots to when no one was near AND the Owl was looking in my direction.Equipment
I took the photo with a Cannon T5 with Cannon 75-300 mm lens, using only natural light.Inspiration
I took this photo because this Horned Owl was sitting so quietly watching the people go by and every now and then find something interesting and would just stare, which he did when I took one or two of the photos of him. I found his eyes to be so intelligent and bright. He was one of my favorite Birds of Prey that I had seen that day, and there were many.Editing
The only post-processing that I did to this was to brighten it up some and up the contrast so that his eyes were as bright as when I actually saw him. I also cropped out the handler and make it more of a close up to show his beautiful feathers and features.In my camera bag
I usually have my Cannon T5 with my newer Sigma 18-250 lens but I also carry my Cannon 18-55 mm and Cannon 75-300 mm lenses along with various magnifying, macro and wide angle filters, graduated color and ND filters, lots of extra batteries, remote, sturdy tripod and cleaning supplies.Feedback
Where ever you go look around as if you see great photos, be aware of your surroundings and be patient. This was my first excursion with a DSLR camera after lots of point and shoot cameras so I had a lot to learn. One of the best things I learned that day was when you see something that you know will be a great shot, look around for the best angle, vantage point and light, etc., watch the subject and get that camera ready to shoot when it feels right. I took many shots of him and other birds; but the shots I took of the Owl were my favorite of the day because I was able to take my time to get myself and the camera ready to get the shots.
