short-eared owl?

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

PHO Owl-Edit.jpg
PHO Owl-Edit.jpg2000×2312 1.31 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

this was taken at a nearby wildlife refuge. So that would be near Olympia and Tacoma. I was really lucky because it took off almost immediately after I shot this and I did get some in flight shots but I’m unable to locate those. Taken several years ago.

Specific Feedback

anything that’s helpful

Technical Details

lost in space

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
2

Hi David. This is a Barred Owl. By the looks of it, probably a subadult (the feathers around the head don’t appear fully formed).

The placement of the owl on the right actually works quite well here, as I think the branch coverage on the left makes for some nice lines and pattern. I would be tempted to crop a bit more off the right—just a bit, so as not to crowd the owl—to lose some of the empty blue space that doesn’t really fit with the rest of the frame.

3

Nice shot of the Barred owl, David. I like Max’s idea of the slight crop from the right, though that might make the branch over its head look a bit like an orphan, and I don’t think you want to mess with it much.

4

Hi David, a nice catch with the owl giving a bright eyed look. I like the composition. Framing looks good to me. Nice details and overall light. Well done.

6

Max

I thought it could be a Barred owl. They sure look alike. But this was actually seen it. Nisqually wildlife preserve, and everyone else in identified it as a short ear owl. So I went along with it, not knowing any better. We see great horned owls there, but I have never seen either a barred owl, or a short eared owl for that point. Thanks for your rapid reply.

7

Comp and lighting are excellent. Barred owls, with those big brown eyes, are very photogenic. I like this one as presented…Jim