Pierre Williot
February 2025 - Short-eared Owl
Original
About the Image(s)
Title: Short-eared Owl
Equipment: OM-1 Mark II, OM 150-400 mm f/4.5 TC, Hand held
Set-up: 500 mm (1,000 mm full frame equivalent), ISO 1600, 1/1000, f/5.6, EV -0.30
There was a snow fall. This owl was briefly taking a rest, from hunting, on a fence post on the edges of a farm field.
The “Original” image has only “global” adjustments using ON1 Raw 2025.
On the “final” image, I performed local adjustments and removed the snow flakes.
9 comments posted
Lovely sharp image with soft background. I would consider cropping in and eliminating some of the space, especially above. Posted: 02/05/2025 00:05:14
Hi Dean,
Thanks for these constructive comments.
Posted: 02/05/2025 00:07:19
Thanks for these constructive comments.
Posted: 02/05/2025 00:07:19
What a captivating pose. It's sharp throughout. Did you consider including the snowflakes to provide atmosphere?
I agree with Deans suggestion to crop more from the top and I would have removed the second post seeing as you have successfully removed the rest of the fence. Posted: 02/10/2025 15:06:28
I agree with Deans suggestion to crop more from the top and I would have removed the second post seeing as you have successfully removed the rest of the fence. Posted: 02/10/2025 15:06:28
Hi Mervyn,
Thanks for your comments. Initially, I left the snowflakes in place, but I found them distracting as some were in focus and others were not (see original). This bird was relatively far away as I did not want to disturb him/her. The flakes between the bird and I were out of focus and looked smudgy, like multiple sensor dusts... I felt that the image would be cleaner by removing them. Posted: 02/10/2025 19:25:11
Thanks for your comments. Initially, I left the snowflakes in place, but I found them distracting as some were in focus and others were not (see original). This bird was relatively far away as I did not want to disturb him/her. The flakes between the bird and I were out of focus and looked smudgy, like multiple sensor dusts... I felt that the image would be cleaner by removing them. Posted: 02/10/2025 19:25:11
Love the image. I would have left it as is and kept the snow flakes to give it "atmosphere" or crop it and remove the snowflakes. Posted: 02/13/2025 11:34:45
Thanks Jaswant.
So, please find attached the initial cropped image prior to removing all the snow flakes. Posted: 02/13/2025 13:59:38
So, please find attached the initial cropped image prior to removing all the snow flakes. Posted: 02/13/2025 13:59:38
I agree with above with the exception that I love the original and would not have cropped at all. Seeing the fence and trees in the background add to the shot in my opinion. I really like this shot. Posted: 02/14/2025 22:26:28
I can certainly see what Cindy means. It is an interesting fence- but cropping kept the focus on the owl.
I still like the snowflakes- maybe that's because I don't normally see snow, so it suggests that it is not a zoo shot. Posted: 02/15/2025 02:09:12
I still like the snowflakes- maybe that's because I don't normally see snow, so it suggests that it is not a zoo shot. Posted: 02/15/2025 02:09:12
This is a lovely photo. I think the addition of snow adds to the photo that makes very nice. I think that the fence post helps to center the photo. Overall this is a nice photo and I think your edits help to improve the photo. I do think a tighter crop possibly eliminating some of the top of the photo might help maintain focus on the owl. Posted: 02/16/2025 20:50:37