IMG_2822-1
Aug, 2015Views
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Awards
Action Award
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Zenith Award
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Contest Finalist in Beautiful Owls Photo Contest
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Contest Finalist in Wildlife Closeups Photo Contest
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Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
It was taken at a local Raptor Rescue Foundation, on a cold December day. I was the only visitor that day, and they still put on the flying display for me as the birds needed the exercise. I was able to ask questions and pick the best position without getting in anyone else's way, it was wonderful.Time
It was around 3pm on a cold winter's afternoon in the UK, and my fingers were freezing! I was determined to watch all the birds, but the Tawny Owl was my favourite. I was pleased he was flown before the light dropped too much.Lighting
I used natural daylight (weak) for this shot.Equipment
The photograph was taken with a Canon 100D, and an entry level 70-300mm lens. The camera was handheld. I shot at f5, from a distance, with the zoom at around 200mm and an ISO of 100. I focused on the eye and there was only a sliver of depth of field, just enough to get the beak in focus too.Inspiration
I am an owl fanatic, and have a large collection of owl ornaments made from all types of materials. I love photographing any bird of prey, whether in captivity or in the wild. We are lucky enough to have a healthy population of wild Red Kites in our area, and I take every opportunity to get out in the countryside to capture them in flight. This Tawny Owl was a young bird, still in training, and he only flew short distances. He had been mistreated before the Foundation rescued him and was still very nervous. His eyes were deep pools and just spoke to me, so I had to concentrate on his face in this close up.Editing
I just adjusted the sliders in Lightroom, the shot didn't need any other post processing.In my camera bag
At the time of shooting this picture I used a basic entry level Canon DSLR and consumer lenses. I have now upgraded to a 70D, 70-200mm f4 L lens (no image stabilization), 400mm F4 L, along with a 100mm f4 L ISM Macro lens. I have a sturdy Vanguard tripod for at home and a lighter Giotos one for when I am traveling. I carry my gear in a cheap Amazon rucksack, which does not advertise the fact that there is expensive camera equipment in it.Feedback
If you really love what you are photographing the emotion will show through in your pictures. Trying to capture that emotion is what keeps me going out again and again. Zooming in on the main area of interest, usually the head or face, rather than ensuring all of the animal is in shot can result in a photograph that captures that special moment. I like to use back button focus and AI Servo mode when photographing living creatures, as they don't keep still. That way the camera can track the motion and keep the subject in focus, waiting for me to press the shutter button when the composition is just how I want it. In order to blur the background I chose Aperture Priority and as wide an aperture as I can get, while keeping the ISO low enough to avoid noise. Being a consumer lens I couldn't go lower at this focal length than f5, so I backed up and shot from further away, to ensure just the area I wanted was in focus. I never take just one shot, and avoid placing the subject dead center of the frame. I like to give the bird room to look into, if you know what I mean.
