Snowy Owl at sunrise
A female Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus) lands on a corn field at sunrise, probably looking for prey. A native of the Arctic, Snowies migrate to Canada in the winte...
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A female Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus) lands on a corn field at sunrise, probably looking for prey. A native of the Arctic, Snowies migrate to Canada in the winter when prey becomes scarce. It's a great opportunity for Canadians and visitors to observe this rare sight without going on an expedition to the Arctic. The corn stubs make an interesting pattern - and also symbolizes man's impact on wildlife and nature.
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Jan, 2020Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the farmlands a couple of hours north of Barrie, Ontario... at the peak of the Canadian winter! That’s when the majestic Snowy Owl visits Canada from the Arctic.Time
This was at sunrise. The early bird gets the worm! We saw this Snowy perched on top of a barn. As we parked beside the barn the Snowy flew away and landed on this cornfield.Lighting
The whole idea was to capture this wonderful wintertime guest from the Arctic in the best possible light. We shot only at sunrise and sunset.Equipment
I like to keep it simple. Canon 5D Mark IV and a Canon 100-400 II lens, hand held.Inspiration
I have observed this incredibly beautiful species over many winters in all kinds of light. Sometimes I would merely observe without taking pictures, captivated by its power and grace in flight. Always wanted to catch the wingspread in the best possible light - and this was my moment!Editing
Shot in RAW and processed in Lightroom. Adjusted highlights, shadows, contrast and clarity. White balance was correctly chosen in camera and did not need to be changed in post.In my camera bag
I usually carry 3 lenses: Canon 24-70 III as a general purpose lens, 100-400 for birds and wildlife, and a Zeiss Distagon 15 mm 2.8 for landscape. In this instance I was only carrying just the 5D with the 100-400 as we were out in the cold all day several days in a row.Feedback
Be ready. My camera was on, I was adjusting settings inside the car as we drove. I shoot manual and practice changing exposure settings without taking my eye off the viewfinder before a shoot. As soon as we stopped beside the barn I got down and started shooting, which is why I got this shot. My colleagues were still taking their cameras out of their bags - and missed this shot.
