Mike Cowdrey, MPSA
July 2026 - Barn Owl with Shrew
About the Image(s)
Taken this week on holiday after 10pm, so getting dark. Because
of this, I had to adjust lighting strongly in PS Elements. I was aware
that feather detail was poor, but it was the best I could do, since I had
taken just one shot to avoid disturbing the bird too much.
I was disappointed when I posted it on the RSPC Bird site to get
comments like Fake, AI, and Ridiculous, but I would be interested what
the Group thinks!
Nikon D75, Nikon 70 - 300 (at 300), AP 10 (+1), ISO 2000.
6 comments posted
Mike, this is a super grab shot and I certainly understand under very difficult conditions. To catch this owl with a shrew is a major plus. Hope you don't mind but I also put it in PS and did some work on it. Maybe a little better but possibly too contrasty? Don't really like my fix. Posted: 07/01/2026 18:21:06
Yes, I reckon the contrast is too much, Tom. What do the others think? Posted: 07/01/2026 18:44:29
Mike
Great capture of the Barn Owl. I think the highlights was a impediment to giving more detail of the subject. The ISO is rather high. By the way, I now shoot Manual + Auto ISO, which still wouldn't solve the highlights.
Due to the precise timing, adjusting the exposure compensation wasn't available to you. Still, the more important job is to capture the bird with its meal.
Posted: 07/08/2026 15:02:59
Great capture of the Barn Owl. I think the highlights was a impediment to giving more detail of the subject. The ISO is rather high. By the way, I now shoot Manual + Auto ISO, which still wouldn't solve the highlights.
Due to the precise timing, adjusting the exposure compensation wasn't available to you. Still, the more important job is to capture the bird with its meal.
Posted: 07/08/2026 15:02:59
Afraid Tom's fixes aren't an improvement. Not sure what you could do under those circumstances to get a better shot. The definition just isn't there, and you can't fake it. But how fortunate for you to see it with prey, presumably taking it back to little owlets.
You could try adjusting brightness/contrast and see what happens, but you've probably already tried that. Posted: 07/08/2026 19:56:53
You could try adjusting brightness/contrast and see what happens, but you've probably already tried that. Posted: 07/08/2026 19:56:53
You documented it's behavior which is very important. The processing is peculiar and the photo is not sharp. save it and in a few years maybe new technology will be able to fix it. Posted: 07/09/2026 14:50:05
A photograph with a wonderful story. I agree with Michael; it could be re-edited very effectively in the future. Congratulations. Posted: 07/11/2026 06:13:04