I have been conducting a snowy owl photo workshop in Canada for many years now, and of the hundreds of images of these beautiful birds I've taken, this picture of a female snowy flying just above the snow is my favorite. The white-on-white color theme is beautiful, and the piercing yellow eyes are compelling. I don't shoot with exposure compensation on snow. I let the bright whiteness underexpose my images so the highlights are protected from being blown out, and then I adjust the exposure to taste in post-processing. Some photographers think this introduces unwanted noise, but with snow pictures, it doesn't. I captured this at 14 frames per second, and my settings were 1/3200, f/11, and auto ISO which, in this case, turned out to be 1600. My lens was the Canon 100-400mm zoom. The only tweaking I did besides exposure was to lighten the eyes of the owl with the dodge tool so they appeared as I saw them.
6 Comments
Mar 20, 2024, 9:27:39 PM
Jim - Hi Bob, I'm doing a photo tour now. Let me get a price for you by calling the lab tomorrow and I'll get back to you.
Mar 20, 2024, 9:11:16 PM
Bob Marsh - Jim.. Beautiful portfolio you have. I am interested in a quote for the "Snowy owl in winter" print on glossy paper in a size close to 20 x 30. I am in the US. Thanks. v/r Bob
Oct 7, 2023, 10:11:01 PM
Jim - Hi Frances, Thank you for your query. Yes, you can purchase the photo. In order to quote a price, I need to know the dimensions of the print you want, what kind of print (on canvas, glossy paper, metal, backlit), and do you live in the U.S. or another country. Thank you. Jim
Oct 7, 2023, 10:09:54 PM
Jim - Hi Frances, Thank you for your query. Yes, you can purchase the photo. In order to quote a price, I need to know the dimensions of the print you want, what kind of print (on canvas, glossy paper, metal, backlit), and do you live in the U.S. or another country. Thank you. Jim
Oct 7, 2023, 10:24:03 AM
Frances Psciuk - Hi, can I purchase this photo? I’m looking for a photo like this for above my bed. The space is 7 feet long by 45 inches tall. I love the photo and think it would be very dramatic!
Jan 4, 2021, 8:25:29 PM
Lana Winneberger - Hi Jim, Your photos are exceptional! Do you allow painters to paint photos of yours? I’ve always wanted to try to paint a snowy owl. The one above is so beautiful. Thanks, Lana