I know, I know – two Short-eared Owl posts in a row. But in my view if I’m going to double up on a species there isn’t a better candidate than Shorties.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
In bird, wildlife, nature and landscape photography (any kind of photography, really) light matters. A lot. In the world of nature photography book and website titles similar to “Chasing the Light” abound and for good reason. My good friend Ed Mackerrow’s impressive photography website “In Light of Nature” is a perfect example and there are many, many others..
And that’s why I like this photo of a Short-eared Owl in flight – it’s all about the light. The owl is brightly side lit with dark shaded mountains in the background and I love the resulting effect, even though I wasn’t particularly close to the bird. I caught the owl in a banking turn that reveals all of its dorsal patterns and colors, even in the side light. And even though the side of the face is shaded the bright yellow eye can still be clearly seen.
Personally I think this photo would be pretty pedestrian without the effect of the dramatic lighting.
I’m not one to use quotes very often because I think they tend to be overdone and even pretentious but long ago I stumbled upon this one from American film director and artist Aaron Rose that I always try to keep in mind when I’m in the field with camera in hand:
“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.”
Ron
What a beauty! The full dorsal view and the light on his face and the leading edges of his wings make the shot for me! I never mind doubling up (or even three-peats) in your blogs — quality is quality!
I’ll try not to make it a three-peat Marty but if the weather doesn’t cooperate soon it may come to that. Thank you.
As I am sure I have said before too many owls would be barely enough.
This is a stunner and will set me up well for a busy day.
Thank you.
And yes, light makes all the difference.
You’ve said it before EC but it rings with truth every time.
I think it is beautiful, the dramatic light is perfect.
Thanks very much, April.
What a perfect quote for your picture ❗️
Thank you for sharing Ed’s website. I’m grabbing another cup of coffee, my iPad and spend time enjoying those beautiful pictures 😁
Diana, many of Ed’s photos were taken in Alaska and New Mexico. He has some very special images.
This is simply stunning! The way the light pops through the primaries really makes this for me b
Thanks very much, Arwen.
Your “Shortie” is a grand illustration of Aaron Rose’s profound thought.
Thanks for the link to Ed Mckerrow’s wonderful website. A related
observation about paintings–the most humble of subjects can be made to glow
with a profound, almost holy, quality in the right light and under the
hand and regard of a mindful painter’s attention–and the same goes for
the photographic artist !
Kris, another thing that appeals to me about Ed and his photography is his strict (very strict) adherence to ethical standards in the field. He doesn’t give an inch in that regard and I like that.
As a bird watcher and a taker of snapshots – I am always thankful with the power of light and sight. A couple of times in my birding travels I have been able to be with a group of blind or visually impaired birders. I am truly amazed and impressed with their ability to hear and recognize the birds solely on the basis of sound. There the ear compensates with sound for what the eye fails to see. 🥰🦉🦅🤗
Mark, my recent challenges with cataracts have helped me to better realize how precious sight and light really are.
I’ll take SEO’s any day – actually most any owl….😀 The “light” certainly cooperated for this photo! Background is dark but not TOO dark and detail of the owl really “pops”. The right light at the right time does transform even to most mundane into something beautiful……💕
“I’ll take SEO’s any day”
That’s kind of how I feel, Judy.
No problem having two days in a row with these Short-eared Owls as far as I am concerned. I have never seen one other than in photos so bring em on. Excellent photo, and as you illustrate here, light is pretty much the most important factor in nature photography. So many times I have taken a really good photo of a hawk, eagle, or bird only to have not been able to get the catch-eye and it completely changes the quality of the photo.
Thank you, Everett.
“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.” I think that might just be a good attitude to live by! Thanks for another exquisite photo, Ron.
I love that quote, Alison. In the field it’s surprising how often it pops into my mind, especially soon after sunrise.
Totally agree, in the right light at the right time, it’s extraordinary! Several years ago at sunrise between 7:20 and 7:23 AM mountain time, I witnessed and photographed and then blogged about an extraordinary event . . . https://lalaironwheels.blogspot.com/2015/10/golden-leaves-and-sunrises.html
Yup, good light is transitory but it sure makes a difference when it’s right.