BNJarrett Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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This was my third attempt at capturing some decent Snowy Owl photographs. This level of talent on this board is impressive and you all make me want to be a better photographer.
I had a pair of Snowy Owls about 35 miles from my house, but last time I was looking for them there were 4 trucks full of Coyote hunters and believe they have scared them off or they have headed back North. Haven't been able to find them last 3 times I have looked for them.
Yesterday I got up at 3:45 AM and headed to Lee County Illinois (95 miles) where there are 11 - 14 Snowy Owls.
I arrived at the spot where most of the sightings have been about 20 minutes before sunrise. I drove around a little and found a silhouette of an owl and had to wait for enough light to photograph it in. Then an amazing sunrise started happening. I had never shot a sunrise or landscape with my 500mm prime before.
1) sunrise
2) Owl #1
3) Owl #2 The Eyes, Too close, Too much lens.
When I got out of the car and started to setup and get ready. She would fly right towards me. I believe she has been fed and imprinted with Photographers with big lens equal food.
After the first shot, I took the 500mm prime off and went the rest of interaction with this female with my 70-200mm. She allowed me to spend about 45 minutes with her. It was something very special to get to connect and interact with nature. This was yet another life changing moment, and ranks right up their with my Smoky Mountain Bear and 3 cubs.
4) The Swoope
5) Lift Off
6) Gear up, Wings up
7) Fly By
8) The Feet
9) Wall Hanger #1
10) Wall Hanger #2
11) Kent, I'm an Eagle!
12) Garage Owl #3
14) #4 shot at 700mm: 500mm + 1.4 TC, Sleepy Eyes
3:45 AM wake up + watched sunrise + 280 miles + $57.50 in gas + 9 hours in a car + FULL Frame Snowy Owls photos = PRICELESS!!!!!!
I know these aren't as good as some on here, by I am really happy to be able to spend some time photographing these special birds. Life is good and I am blessed.
Thanks for stopping by!
Kent
my photography blog
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