Mr. Burrowing Owl #37
Aug, 2015Views
406
Likes
Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, Southern Alberta. It is a phenomenal place, especially, if, like me, you love birds. These baby burrowing owls were just wandering around, discovering the world. Believe me, even at this age, they were pretty aggressive - hissing and stuff - but so much character! Give them space, haha! Otherwise, who knows what can happen!Time
I still like this image. Love the angle of his head, as he stares at you. Awesome! So intelligent. No fear! Just get outta my space!! The photo was taken late morning.....around 11.00. It was a gorgeous summer day. Light was perfect.Lighting
I was trying to capture him in the best natural light, which isn't too easy, obviously, as he kept moving around. I am totally self-taught, but do make a point of learning new stuff always.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon EOS Rebel. No tripod. Macro lens, I believe.Inspiration
I always try to find something different about the bird/animal. By that, I mean in terms of their behaviour. In this case, it was the angle of his head and the look in his eyes. Have always been captivated by animals/any kind of wildlife, since I was a little kid. We can all learn heaps from their behaviour.Editing
Yes, a bit of cropping, as well as some work on the sharpness of the image and the definition. Usually, also slight modifications on colour/light/white balance. I am big on detail......gotta have that! Definition/sharpness in the feathers. Otherwise, the image looks too flat.In my camera bag
I carry various size lenses.....Canon 300mm, Canon Macro 100-mm with lens case/ hood, my unipod, my Tamron absolute beast of a lens at 600mm, which I got recently for my birthday, also with the hood. Chargers, spare batteries, etc. Think that's it.Feedback
Be patient, when photographing any kind of wildlife. They never stay still. They never do what you expect/want/hope for. So, in essence, be prepared for the unexpected. Study your subject(s). Get to know their behaviour. Shooting in semi-automatic mode - i.e.. aperture priority - works well with birds/wildlife.
