Snowy Owl - Early Morning Nape Of The Earth Flight
Early morning provides for some neat colour possibilities when photographing all-white male Snowy Owls. Here I had a trade-off between colours and the possible better sharpness of the eyes that can be taken later in the day.
Canon 7D with 500L f4 lens @ 1/1600, f5.6, ISO 400. No crop, I believe, but I did add some blur to the top of the image due to a line of brown earth which was too defined.
Cheers,
Mike
Spring-Loaded Snowy Owl
The force and grace of a Snowy Owl during take-off is always a breath-taking sight to behold.
Canon 7D with the 400L f5.6 lens @ 1/2000, f9.0, ISO 200.
Here I cropped away a part of the top to format the image for a possible 8 x 16 framing. A zillion snow reflection spots were cloned away. Some Gaussian blur added to bottom and top of image.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Owl On Patrol At Dusk
Early winter mornings and late afternoons are great times to add colour to routine Snowy Owl photos.
This one was taken late afternoon before sunset. By this time the relative warmer temperature of the day rapidly drops as the sun sets.
Here, I just added a bit of contrast to the image with a bit of sharpening and despeckling of background noise. I cropped the top and botttom horizontal plane, because this image will be framed at 8 x 16.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Owl - Morning Angel
Let's just say that there is no need to balance for your whites with this early morning shot of a Snowy Owl landing - there's not much pure white at this time of day.
Canon 7D with 500L f4 lens @ 1/1600, f4.5, ISO 400. Slight crop because I had to tilt-correct my horizontal plane. Gaussian blur applied throughout the image with the history brush applied to a strip just below the owl and the owl itself. A couple of specks of reflected snow removed.
Cheers,
Mike
Pick A Feather, Any Feather - Snowy Owl - Blurred
A quick and lazy attempt using gaussian blur and the history brush to blur the previous image for comparison.
Contrary to popular belief, I'm really not that much of a Photoshop wizard. This entry is also a simple demonstration that shows how many bird images on many bird photo sites are not always as initially captured. I personally have no problems with this, it's just nice to be aware.
When I worked as a photojournalist, such manipulations were forbidden. Many high-end commercial customers also forbid such practices.
My image is still not perfect - I used the image as previously formatted and not a full res version. Again, if this was for sale, I would reformat the image from scratch, and probably not use as strong a blur as seen here.
You can format these suckers a million times and never get the same result - your milage may vary. :-)
Then again, you can always not worry about the background and just enjoy the beautiful Snowy.
Cheers,
Mike
Pick A Feather, Any Feather - Snowy Owl
It was a great day last Saturday for Snowy Owl photography with good friends and lots of laughs.
This Snowy shows off a full display of feathers while landing.
Canon 7D with 500L f4 lens @ 1/3200, f8, ISO 400. Slight crop for composition purposes. A whole bunch of snow reflection spots cloned out. Other people may have done heavier Photoshop graphic work to sanitize the image by removing all snow and background imperfections (foot tracks, vegetaion, etc) but I'll let the Snowy Owl speak for itself.
If I was to frame this image for sale, then I would clean it up.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Owl - Field Of Glory
Here again I used my trusty Canon 400L f5.6 lens @ 1/6400, f5.6, ISO 200, +2/3 exposure compensation.
Many people prefer to photograph Snowys surrounded by pure white snow to give that certain "Arctic" impression, which is fine, but hey, this is a Quebec Snowy, and Quebec Snowys are very often found in farmer's fields where crops and grain silos insure a good supply of rodents for them.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Owl - This Is My Post!
Again with my trusty Canon 400L f5.6 lens at 1/6400 @ f5.6 ISO 200 with a + 2/3 exposure compensation.
Full-frame with no crop - hey, I didn't even have to even out my horizon for once. Three sensor dust bunnies cloned out. Simple colour correction. Background despeckled after the image was sharpened.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Owl - Heavenly Hover
I had to use my trusty Canon 400L f5.6 lens handheld for this shot at 1/4000, f4.5, ISO 200, +2/3 exposure compensation. Slight crop for composition purposes. The sky only was despeckled after sharpening and a few sensor dust bunnies cloned out.
Cheers,
Mike
I'm Off To See The Wizard - Snowy Owl
Another majestic sight which make the shutter release finger twitch, a Snowy Owl on the move! I never tire of spending time with these superb birds.
Taken with my usual Canon gear @ 1/4000, f7.1, ISO 200. Slightly cropped because I had to tilt-level the horizon, a couple of sensor dust bunnies cloned out.
The blue skies on this pbase page seem blocked up, I'm not sure there is much I can do to control the way pbase loads this image, but trust me, on my computer, it looks fine - even the optimized-for-web version.
Cheers,
Mike
Happy New Years - Male Snowy Owl
This male Snowy Owl was a perfect find, but the image is a bit soft. It was incredibly cold, with cruel high bone-chilling winds. There was a lot of blowing snow and in these conditions I had to change my 1.4 Exteder II on and off my 500L f4 lens a couple of times, possibly causeing a bit of fogging.
Thanks to my friend Chrisitan Chevalier and his eagle-eye who was my partner on this expedition two days ago, December 29.
This owl unfortunately is no longer where he was first spotted. He had moved to another area to rest and hide from the intense cold wind on the 30th where he was hounded by photographers who made him burn precoious calories. By the 31st, he was spotted far, far away from the usual area, he is probably still on his migration run.
Canon 7D with 500L f4 lens, 1/1250, ISO 400, cropped in a bit for composition purposes.
Cheers,
Mike
Out Of The Blue - Snowy Owl
This Snowy Owl seems to be coming out of the blue from a forest - but it is only an illusion due to lens zoom compression. Snowys prefer vast open fields similar to the tundra of the high north where they normally live.
The usual Canon gear at 1/1250, f13, ISO 400, +1/3 exposure compensation, at 400mm focal length/distance.
Cheers,
Mike
Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas - Xrystos Narodyvsija
Mystery Snowy
The position of wings on a flying bird can make or break a photo, or at least change the look and feeling of what is being viewed.
This Snowy Owl, with only the eyes peering over a wing, gives the appearance of a mysterious character giving me the evil eye (despite being a little soft on the focus). Of course, this is one frame of a sequence of about four shots taken on this fly-by. The wings covering the eyes would render the shot much less interesting.
Taken with my usual Canon equipment using my standard shooting parametres. Slight crop for composition purposes. Although I did try to colour-correct the image, I deliberately left the wings cool - there is no law that says a Snowy Owl must be perfectly white. Because I didn't use layes (lazy me),I had to re-correct the sky colour once the Snowy was corrected.
Cheers,
Mike
I Claim This Spot - Snowy Owl
This young snowy owl shows determination while landing on the roof of a small tractor barn. Note a missing wing feather.
Canon 7D with 500L f4 IS lens at 1/1000, f4, ISO 400, +1/3 exposure compensation, slight crop for composition purposes.
Shot handheld while sitting hunched over in my car from the driver's seat shooting through an open passenger-side window!
I'm formatting this one on my laptop instead of my desk monitor - I hope the the colours are not too far off.
Cheers,
Mike
Concerning Photographing Snowy Owls At St. Vallier This Winter . . .
The past three winters, I was the first to befriend and photograph snowy owls in the St. Vallier region (and other locations) - a process that took much time and effort, with help from a couple of fellow photographers. For example, the winter of 2007-8, it wasn't till February 22 before I managed to get close to my first snowy. By that time, almost everyone gave up hope and abandoned St. Vallier.
I will not be the first do so at St. Vallier this year.
Prior to me, a good friend of mine did the same there. He also stopped at this too-well known area for the same reasons, as I will explain below.
Once the work was done for them, photographers from all over came down to photograph these birds.
I didn't mind good friends with me, and most people know that I am good-natured and giving as to snowy owl photography.
Unfortunately, my patience came to an end last winter when a new disturbing element was added to the mix.
Individuals began arriving with paying groups to profit not only from other people's work, but also off the private property owners where the owls were located. Friendly snowy owl visits became frustrating crowd control sessions with guides and high-paying clients harassing the birds.
Towards the end of the season, I abandoned St. Vallier and went elsewhere in private.
This winter, I will not get the ball rolling at St. Vallier. I have rejected several offers from guides for this season.
I will be befriending snowy owls in private and tranquility. It will also be easier to hobble on my poor mangled knees :-)
I don't know how this will affect the profiteers, perhaps they may have to do actual work for their money, but this is not my problem.
I will still occasionally visit St. Vallier, there are snow buntings there that interest me, and of course, I won't pass up the chance encounter with any snowys that I may cross.
And of course, I will maintain confidentiality as requested by friends who share their friendly owls with me.
Cheers,
Mike
First Snowy Owl Flight Shot Of the 2009-10 Season
Not the best of quality, but it was my first of the new 2009-10 season on November 17, so I'll take it as I can.
The sun was almost gone, the bird was at some distance and I had to crop away about 35%. But again, it's the symbolic first flight shot of the season.
Canon 7D with 500L f/4 lens with 1.4II extender @ 1/1000, f/8, ISO 200, -1/3 exposure compensation, and yes, handheld.
Cheers,
Mike
Snowy Season Off To An Early Start
This year's 2009-10 Snowy Owl season is off to an early start on November 17.
This guy basks in the late afternoon light, therefore it is to be expected that he is not white in colour. And to think, earlier in the day I was photographing Greater Snow Geese in Victoriaville wearing my trademark shorts!
A local resident who was with me at the time and I named him in French,Charlot, the feminine being Charlotte.
I'd like to thank Chuck Kling from Montreal for getting the ball rolling for me and Drummondville's Martin Isabelle for a favour given - merci les gars!
Canon 7D with the 500L f/4 lens with 1.4 II extender @ 1/1250, f8, ISO 200 handheld. Very slight crop to properly centre the owl.
Life is good!
Cheers,
Mike
Greater Snow Goose Canonball Run
This is a typical pose for a Snow Gooses coming in for a dynamic water landing.
The white in the water are other geese - some of the over 100,000 at Victoriaville's Beaudet reservoir.
Canon 7D with 500IS f4 lens @ 1/1250, f5, ISO 200.
Handheld, no crop. I've processed this pic on my laptop which for me is a little less reliable that my main frame monitor - should be okay, though.
Mike
Greater Snow Goose Alert - Head ForThe Hills!
The Greater Snow Geese at the Victoriaville Beaudet reservoir now number at least 100,000, and is the focal point for fellow photogs to try their luck in photographing at least one of them :-)
There is no problem in photographing individual birds in flight, but it is much more difficult in getting a good pic of several in the same frame.
The available light played an important part with this pic - direct daylight is not the best for white birds with the heavy contrast blowing out the whites. I was fortunate to have a thin shroud of clouds lightly veiling the sun.
Canon 7D with 500IS f4 lens @1/1000, f4, ISO 200, hand-held.
The image was not cropped, although I did clone out a small wingtip on the right edge. I used the blur tool in Photoshop to soften the background.
Cheers,
Mike
Am I Missing Something?
This Greater Snow Goose at Victoriaville's Beaudet Reservoir seems to be caught off guard by the rapid departure of his friends. Yes, the geese have finally arrived there in great numbers - a true shoot-fest for Snow Geese photographers.
The geese will stay till mid to late November before continuing their migration.
Canon 7D with 500mm f4 lens with 1.4 II Extender on a tripod @ 1/1250, F18, ISO 400, - 2/3 exposure compensation to prevent blowing out the whites.
Uncropped.
Cheers,
Mike
Hawk On The Move
Migrating raptors is my latest challange, and a few good opportunities presented themselves for me to practice on. Boy, what a spot - you only have a second or two to react when the unseen birds clear the trees above you. Once they see you, your opportunity is lost as they take evasive action to avoid you.
Canon 7D with 500mm IS f4 lens @ 1/1250 handheld, f4, ISO 400, +1 2/3 exposure compensation. Cropped vertically. A bit of blue lost during post-processing replaced.
I realize that nornally I'd probably have more in-focus keepers if I used a tripod with a 500, but in the physical setting where I see my birds, reaction time handheld is much quicker for me. To facilitate carrying the lens and camera, I now use a military one-point tactical rifle sling, which keeps my gear snug across my chest, ready for quick use. It is composed of a bungee cord and quick release snaps and is worn across a shoulder and your back.
Cheers,
Mike
Early Breakfast On The Fly
This Green Heron makes off with a very early morning breakfast.
Canon 50D with 500 f4 IS lens and 1.4 II Extender @1/640, f 5.6, ISO 400 and a slight crop for composition purposes.
Cheers,
Mike
Greater Snow Geese Have Returned To Cap Tourmente!
The fall migration of the Greater Snow Geese has begun at Cap Tourmente.
For now, there are no goslings with the flock - only adult geese. These are normally geese which have no parental responsabilities. The families with the goslings take a little longer to make the trip.
Canon 50D with 500IS f4 lens with 1.4 II extender mounted on a tripod. Uncropped @ 1/400, f7.1, ISO 400, + 1/3 exposure compensation.
There was cloud cover, which explains the slow shutter speed and + 1/3 exposure compensation and soft look. I would usually use a negative exposure compensation due to the risk of blowing out the whites of the birds.
Cheers,
Mike
How Much Wood Can A Woodchuck Chuck . . .
. . . if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Well, not exactly a woodchuck, but a Pileated Woodpecker drilling away to find his next snack.
Canon 50D with the 500L f4 lens and 1.4 II extender @1/640 at f5.6, + 1/3 exposure compensation.
As usual, cropped for composition. As usual, no flash but I did use a tripod.
Cheers,
Mike
Can Anyone Hear Me? Great Egret
Canon 50D with 500L IS f4 lens and 1.4 II Extender @ 1/800, f11, ISO 400, and -1/3 exposure compensation.
Slight crop for composition purposes. One annoying branch clonned away.
Cheers
Mike
My Gift To You - Wood Duck
This Wood Duck seems to present a feathered gift to me. Actually, he was in the process of a very long preening session.
I took this shot last week in the company of Daniel Houx. I see that another good friend Dom Cantin, beat me to it to put this bird on his site yesterday. :-)
Canon 50D with 500IS L f4 lens @ 1/800, f7.1, ISO 400 with a monopod and the Jobu Jr 2 gimbal.
Slight crop for composition purposes.
Cheers,
Mike
Bear With Me For A Moment
It just takes your breath away being so close to such an admirable animal. This bear was foraging for branches laden with berries.
Canon 50D with 500L f4 IS lens @ 1/320,f4, ISO 800, +2 exposure compensation.
Slight crop to avoid unwanted branch. This was an evening shot in the shade with the sun already on the horizon. This explains the high ISO, low shutter speed, +2 exposure compensation, the use of IS and magenta tint.
Cheers,
Mike
Reach Out And Touch Someone - Snowy Owl
Quebec City is in the middle of a heat wave. Although many people welcome it after a cold rainy summer, I'm not made for hot and humid weather.
Therefore, I check back to past Snowy Owl images to cool off.
Canon 40D with 100-400L IS lens @ 1/1600, f10, ISO 200, + 1/3 exposure compensation.
Cropped for composition purposes to offset the owl from the center.
Cheers,
Mike
Grin And Bear It - Cap Tourmente Black Bear
Black bears are a common sight at Cap Tourmente nature reserve and make for an interesting change from the usual bird photos.
Canon 50D with the 500L f4 IS lens @ 1/250, f4, ISO 640 on a tripod (I do hand-hold this lens occasionally).
This early evening mosquito-filled image is full-frame without crop, and yes the bear was close. The sky was clear, except for a huge cloud covering the setting sun. Just as well, because the sun was behind the bear and the cloud acted as a veil to soften the light.
Cheers.
Mike
Feeding Time At Dusk At The Cooper's
No light, no flash, but lots of action.
Here, a young Coopers hawk enjoys his evening meal before bedtime.
Canon 50D with 500L f4 lens @ 1/500, f4, ISO 800, +2/3 exposure compensation.
Slight crop to remove excess upper and lower background. Because of the evening scene with its low dusk light and overcast sky, I kept sharpening, contrast and noise reduction to a minimum to convey the feeling of the moment. To have used flash, even fill-flash, well . . . I would have an obvious flash image.
Cheers,
Mike
Tippy Toe Tension For Great Heron
With the recent terrible weather, shooting opportunities have been rare in the Quebec City region. I don't have my early morning or late afternoon light as often as I would like.
Therefore, I make due with what I have - in this case, a bit of early afternoon sunshine.
Canon 50D with 500L f4 lens with 1.4II extender @ 1/800, f8, ISO 400. I had to rotate the image slightly to correct the horizon, otherwise the image would have been full-framed. I tried not to be too aggressive with sharpening.
Cheers,
Mike
Dawn Patrol - Greater Snow Geese
It's the early bird that gets the worm . . . err, I mean, gets the picture!
Extreme morning light made for a great image with these Greater Snow Geese coming in for a water-landing at Cap Tourmente this spring.
Canon 40D with 400L f5.6 lens @ 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 400. Cropped for composition purposes. A light passage of the blur tool to reduce background noise.
Cheers,
Mike
Getta Grip On Life - Snowy Owl
With the lousy cold summer we've been having, I might as well post a picture that almost fits the weather!
Canon 40D with 100-400L lens @ 1/1250, f10, ISO 400 with + 1/3 exposure compensation.
Cropped horizontally because I print at times in a 8 x 16 format. Despeckled after sharpening to reduce noise in the image, except for the owl. Smaller amount of sharpening to give a softer overall look.
Cheers,
Mike
Bath Time For Cooper's Hawk
This young bather is one of five young yearlings residing at Montreal's Botanical Garden. The shot was taken early in the morning at ground level, with a beam of light directly on the bird. A memorable experience indeed.
Canon 50D with 500 f4 lens @ 1/800, f9, ISO 400.
Slight crop for composition purposes.
Cheers,
Mike
Sneaky Snow Goose On The Loose
Taken during the spring migration of Greater Snow Geese at Cap Tourmente. I found this shot a bit amusing, mostly because the geese are usually see in the open.
Although the lighting is not dramatic, I was interested in the rich green of flora, because the geese at Cap Tourmente in the spring are usually surrounded by the colours of early spring - browns, ocre, etc.
Canon 40D with 400L f5.6 lens @ 1/1250, f5.6, ISO 200, -1/3 exposure compensation (to avoid blowing out the whites).
Cropped for composition purposes, because as usual, I center moving birds in my view finder. I did blur a bit more the background to isolate the goose.
Cheers,
Mike