Barred owl
May, 2017Views
808
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Birds On Branches Photo Contest
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a private ranch in Franktown, Colorado.Time
It was about mid-morning when this photo was taken.Lighting
The bird was positioned in the diffused lighting of a tree's shade. There was some sunlight peaking through the leaves to the bird's left (viewer's left) that highlighted the bird nicely.Equipment
I was using my Nikon D750 and a borrowed Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2. I borrowed the lens for a test-drive from the Tamron rep on-site that day and I was very impressed with its capabilities and the images I got that day with it.Inspiration
I love animals and have a special soft spot for birds, particularly owls. A local camera shop offers workshops throughout the year to learn various techniques shooting various subjects and the subject of this particular workshop was raptors - owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. I was thrilled with the opportunity to get up close to these magnificent birds.Editing
I did some minor post-processing in Adobe Lightroom to bump up the colors, saturation, and cropped in on the subject.In my camera bag
Normally, I carry my Nikon D750, the kit lens (24-120mm, f/4) and another lens or two (wide angle or telephoto) depending on what I plan on shooting for the day. I also carry a UV filter, polarizing filter, and sometimes a variable ND filter and lens hood for the lenses I'm carrying that day. I'll also bring along either my tripod and ball-head or my monopod, again depending on what I plan to shoot. I always keep a lens cloth and a hurricane blower in my bag to keep the lenses and filters clean.Feedback
Since this photo is of a rescued owl who could not be returned to the wild because it had imprinted on humans and had a damaged left eye, it was easy to get up close and really capture the detail of the bird. I had lots of time to frame my shot and really hone in on the settings I wanted to use in camera. In the wild, you likely won't have this opportunity, so you may want to contact any local raptor rescue organizations and find out if they offer any opportunities to photograph their birds through a local camera store, camera club, or outreach/educational event. Be sure to give them a donation for the unique opportunity to photograph their birds as these funds help support their efforts to care for the birds and educate the public about wild raptors. You may also offer to give them some prints to sell or digital images to use in their print and digital media as a "thank you."
