burrowing owl
Nov, 2020Views
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Contender in the Photography Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Contender in the Visual Poetry Project
Zenith Award
People's Choice in Birds Photo Challenge
Spring 21 Award
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
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Outstanding Creativity
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Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photograph was taken at Hamerton zoo, Cambridgeshire, UKTime
I took this mid day and the sun was shining through the covering of branches above the owl, the owl was on watch for Red Kites that were flying above as it had chicksLighting
As the background was dark I used the natural sun light as it was shining just in the right place place to get this capture, I had to shoot through wire netting and shrubbery too as shot from a low position. I don't like to use flash with wildlife, if its direct to the eye's it can affect them and flash may spook them too.Equipment
I used my Nikon D7100 & Nikon 70-300mm lens 1/200 sec. f/5.6 98mm ISO 250, hand heldInspiration
I always go and see the Burrowing owls, one of my favourites and the setting on this occasion with the owls on guard to protect their chicks was inspiring, with the sun light as it was at the time I arrived it set up a moment not to be missed and just had to capture itEditing
I used Lightroom mostly, using the radial filter to adjust the background, darkening it further and then completed this in Photoshop with a levels adjustment and smoothed it out using the burn toolIn my camera bag
For wildlife I often take both my camera bodies, the Nikon D7100 and a more recent upgrade with the Nikon D500, along with the Nikon 70-300mm and sigma 150 - 600mm, this way I don't have to worry about wasting time changing the lens. If I am out looking for the smaller things in life, insects, bugs I take my sigma 105 lens, love this lens. I always pack a spare battery, SD card just in case, lens cloth, waterproof cover for the bag in case of rain. I am more likely to take a mono pod rather than a tripod as I find it easier to get into position with the monopod than having adjust the tripod.Feedback
With wildlife, even in wildlife parks, its often a case of being in the right place at the right time, take your time, be patient. Visit the area often and you may be able to see a pattern in behaviour, activity times, most of all just have fun, enjoy the moment.
