gallaxy | photoblog » The one that got away.

camera	KODAK Z7590 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA
exposure mode	full manual
shutterspeed	1/400s
aperture	f/3.2
sensitivity	ISO80
focal length	11.5mm
resolution	1780x1223 pixels

I kind of see this as the equivalent of the fisherman`s `one that got away` story. Normally I would not have put this one up. However, this is the shot I would love to do again, so any pointers would be much appreciated.

Having promised not to moan any more, I will say this: I got the timing right on this one, and I do feel there is a good sense of the power of this magnificent owl. (:o)

Apologies for the lack of comments and replies to comments. Christmas chaos reigns....and continues tomorrow. Hoping to lock myself away for a couple of hours at the weekend to catch up.

Kay

Wet and rainy Pacific Northwest

14 Dec 2007, 04:19

Great action shot, here, Roz! This owl has power!

Rosalyn Sears: He was just fabulous! Glad I have captured the power of his take-off. (:o)

Robert

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

14 Dec 2007, 04:45

I think it's a fine shot. The motion blurr says everything. I'm really enjoying this bird series. Some really fine shots.

Rosalyn Sears: Thank you, Robert. I am so pleased you are enjoying this series. (:o)

Ginnie

United States

14 Dec 2007, 05:00

It's just like what my plane will do today, Roz: LIFT OFF! I love it.

Rosalyn Sears: Safe flight! (:o)

Florence

France

14 Dec 2007, 06:44

Wow ! Really an impressive bird !

Rosalyn Sears: He was truly impressive, and I was completely awe struck. (:o)

Richard Standley

France

14 Dec 2007, 08:31

Very impressive action shot Rosalyn!

Rosalyn Sears: Well I am so glad you like it Richard - I would have like more detail, but some movement was desireable....just not quite this much. lol! (:o)

ray

Thailand

14 Dec 2007, 11:09

I think you have processed this into a very good image, Rosalyn. Great sense of the power and majesty of this lovely animal.

Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, Ray. The black and white helped give it a teeny bit more detail, but not enough. Glad you like it, though. (:o)

Kathryn

Germany

14 Dec 2007, 11:13

These just happen so fast, i am not sure there is anyway to really do much more than click and hope for the best. Now perhaps a real bird photographer would disagree with me, I am sure of it.

I like the movement here. Did you keep snapping as he took off?

Rosalyn Sears: It took me ages to figure out the right moment, what with the slight delay between pressing the shutter and when the picture would actually be taken. My camera is quite slow processing, too, so I only got the one shot in either on take off or landing. Definitely something I would love to take again, in warmer weather, and with a little more though. (:o)

Chantal

Terheijden - The Netherlands

14 Dec 2007, 11:51

good timing, too bad it is not all sharp

Rosalyn Sears: Yep, I did not make the most of my camera settings, I was too busy worrying about the timing. Next time! (:o)

Louis

South Africa

14 Dec 2007, 12:30

I still like it. It is a bird and it is a blurry

Rosalyn Sears: Well, thank you. That is good to know. Lots of scope for improvement, and I am sure I will enjoy trying. (:o)

Astrid

The Netherlands

14 Dec 2007, 12:45

He is just on the move, GREAT capture here Roz and don't you worry, I will 'visit' you anyway

Rosalyn Sears: You are so kind, Astrid. I really appreciate your comments. (:o)

Martin

United States

14 Dec 2007, 14:36

Wonderful dynamic shot. The bird looks big! They always seem deceptively small when they are sitting down. This shot could handle a bit of noise reduction.

Rosalyn Sears: He was big, Martin. I think he was a Siberian Eagle Owl, but a little smaller than the other ones I saw. Still must have stood a good 16 inches tall. He was a beauty. (:o)

Bill Phillips

Droitwich..cold and dull

14 Dec 2007, 16:29

I think you are being a bit hard on yourself Ros. The sense of movement and power is great. The only advice I'd give is take lots. The delay with digital is a pain and we can't all afford very expensive cameras. Try panning if sideways on and try shots with them flying towards you, using multiple bursts.

Rosalyn Sears: Maybe, but I was frustrated because I was so impressed with this bird, and really wanted to show his full beauty. Never mind, I will certainly be trying again. You know what, I forgot that I can take `bursts` - that will tell you how gob-smacked I was at the time. lol! (:o)

attah

london

14 Dec 2007, 16:47

I'm loving the motion and dynamism (my new favourite word) in the shot. B&W an inspired choice but perhaps could benefit from more contrast. Thats nit picking though. Well spotted ;-)

Rosalyn Sears: I don`t mind you nit picking! It is very useful to here these comments. (:o) Glad you like the photograph. (:o)

Chris

frosty tonight!

14 Dec 2007, 19:33

Not easy Rosalyn, well done.

Rosalyn Sears: Thanks, Chris. It was nice to finally get the timing right - next time I will take the time to think about what I am going to do, and hopefull get the shots that I was after. (:o)

Ellie

14 Dec 2007, 23:32

A really difficult capture, a moment either way and the owl would have been out of the frame. It's jolly good.

Did you use your 'sport' setting?

Rosalyn Sears: Yes I think I did use the sport setting for a few of the shots, mostly of tail feathers and beaks, lol!, but I don`t think I had it on for this one. Plenty to improve upon, and these birds will certainly inspire me to get my act together. (:o)

Organik

Australia

15 Dec 2007, 12:13

'The one that got away' is always the best story Rosalyn and you've got the photo to prove it! It could not get any better than this. Excellent shot, beautiful in b/w and a magnificent owl.

Rosalyn Sears: Thank you so much for that really kind comment. I am so pleased you like the photograph. (:o)