Gordy Swetland  


Barred Owl by Gordy Swetland

November 2024 - Barred Owl

November 2024 - Gordy Swetland

Original

About the Image(s)

Leaving my house recently I was really surprised to spot this "Barred Owl" roosting in a tree at the end of my driveway. My camera was packed in the trunk of my car. I put the car in park and slowly slipped out the door of my car and slowly moved to the rear of the car to open the trunk, get my camera from my bag, load a battery and disk...he was still sitting there!! I was able to get within 40 feet of him and get a few shots.

I'm not much of a bird photographer, but I would really like help with my post-edits??”or if I should edit at all. I'm sharing both photos this month one of the actual photo and one I edited in Photoshop, by selecting and blurring the background..

I took the photo about 4 pm, with my Sony A7 and a Tamron 50-400. Thanks All!


This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted




Bollin Millner   Bollin Millner
Majestic bird and I like the changes you made. The image is much more engaging with your edits.   Posted: 11/02/2024 21:45:17



Jennie Wang
Blurring the background definitely brings out the owl, nicely done.   Posted: 11/10/2024 00:07:19



Ruth Holt   Ruth Holt
Gordy, you were fortunate to get so close to the majestic bird. Good edits.   Posted: 11/14/2024 15:10:23



Eric Schweitzer   Eric Schweitzer
Good composition and placement in the frame. I like your edits, but feel some sharpness was lost and excessive brightness was added. I brought it into Lightroom where I selected the bird and reduced the exposure and added sharpness. I then selected the background where I reduced the exposure, highlights, and shadows. I also reduced the texture to make it less crunchy. Thumbnail is attached.   Posted: 11/18/2024 19:30:49
Comment Image



Audrey Waitkus   Audrey Waitkus
I do like the Eric's edits, but would like to see a little more toning, perhaps with curves, to bring the brightness of the eyes up and the brightness of the tail down a just a bit to make the eyes draw focus.   Posted: 11/21/2024 22:17:20