The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I knew what to do when I found this Barn Owl tucked into a shadowy roost at Big Morongo: Set up and wait for the light to find its way through the foliage. It took about 20 minutes but patience was rewarded.
Specific Feedback
I have edited this very lightly and cropped it about 50 percent. I’d like the thoughts of fellow photographers on what to do with this edit. On the one hand, this version really shows what I saw – and it looks pretty cool – including the foliage. On the other, a tighter crop and brightening of the whole scene could be warranted. The quality of the shot will allow such treatment. Thanks.
Hi James, Congratulations on spotting this one. I have a very tough time spotting owls, even these which aren’t well camouflaged for the trees in our area. I like the crop as is and the dark look of the tamarisk environment. The only thing I’d do with this one is use your raw editor to bring up the shadows in the owl slightly-not a lot, just enough to get a bit of definition in the darkest areas.
Exactly what I wanted Dennis — I tend to crop tight on birds and eliminate the storytelling context. The bird is indeed beautiful with a bit more light. No reason I can’t show more while retaining the fun light on its face. In other shots later it was fully lit by filtered light, a treat.
Truth be told, I didn’t find this owl on my own. Another shooter tipped me, after someone tipped him !
I like the way the light hits the face, James, but agree with Dennis about lifting the shadows a bit on the body. For my taste, I’d crop away the right foreground element.
James, I’d be tempted to crop off the oof foliage on the right as well as the subtle dodging on the owl’s body. You’ve done a good job of showing off the challenge of finding this bird and where it likes to hang out during the day.
