The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.
Self Critique
I think the owl is great (I did very little to it) but the background is not working. I don’t know if this was really too busy for me to even bother with in the first place, but I loved the look of the owl.
Creative direction
I wanted the owl to stand out against the background, and blend in with it less. I think I went too far, but am not sure where or if there’s a good level of blurring/darkening the background to reduce its distraction.
Specific Feedback
Focus on the background, how much I can/should change it to get the owl more prominent in the image.
Technical Details
Fuji X-H2S, 1/2500s, f/11, ISO 12800, 476mm
Fujinon XF 150-600mm
Used Lightroom and mostly Photoshop for the background work
Description
This was day 2 of my 2-day Sax-Zim Bog trip in early March 2025. This is my 8th great gray owl of the trip during the 10 minutes I had alone with it. It was hunting just off the road and didn’t seem to mind me watching. I felt a powerful connection with it when it looked at me with those stunning eyes. It was totally quiet, approacing sunset, and pretty magical.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Debbie, I’d be the first to admit this type of photography is way out of my ability and gear I use. With that said, I’m really liking the reworked image with blurring and darkening. The title fits this perfectly too. As a kid I had an owl this size come out of tree over my head and if it was not for the wing created air movement that hit me I’d never knew it flew over me…
Hi Debbie, what a great shot of the owl. Well done. I like the reworked background. It produced what you wanted which was highlighting the owl. I don’t think you went too far at all…Awesome image.
This is a very cool shot, Debbie. I can see why you’re agonizing over the background, though I really didn’t mind it that much in the original. Of the three you posted, I’d go to the middle of the road one.
As an alternative, you might consider Removing/burning the bright horizontal branch behind the bird and then brightening/warming the owl just a bit. I’ve found that just those small adjustments to the subject can really make a difference in how it pops from the background.
Hi Debbie, great catch of this magnificent owl. Love seeing the lower wing like this and great look at the eye. I prefer the top version here. Well done.
@Dennis_Plank ‘Agonizing’ was pretty accurate. I took the middle image and did as you suggested, warming the owl and burning the bright branch. That made a big difference and I’m happy with this result. Thanks!
I’m super late here and have been way behind for a while, but I have to pop in and say how much I love what you’ve done here! Just the capture is worthy of praise but the processing is wonderful and just right on the top one, for my taste. Blurring a BG is a tricky proposition but you pulled it off here! Excellent image all around with a gorgeous capture of the owl!
That’s usually a case for a lot of microsurgery – select subject is getting better but I can imaging it will have trouble with a shot like this. With the first selection made, I hit the Q key to see it as a mask and tediously paint away at it, usually questioning my sanity all the while.
Excellent final result, Debbie. A pen tablet is a wonderful accessory for delicate selections, though they’re a bit pricey. I used to use one on almost every image, but the selection tools are getting much better.
