2017 Image of the Week #5

[Jonathan Huyer]

Stuart's Grey Owl is an awesome shot of a rare bird, but due to the poor shooting conditions, isn't the winning shot. Stuart, hopefully you get to see that owl again, but with some sunshine. Good job getting the AF to track in poor light and falling snow.

Just to voice an alternate opinion, I think the lighting for Stuart's shot is perfect and I love all the falling snow in the shot. It creates drama and adds a lot to the overall setting of the image. I'd be beyond delighted if I got a shot like that. Anyhow I don't want to take anything away from Joel's shot, which is also stellar. I like the fact that we have different judges each week for this challenge, because of the various perspectives we get from each.

[DavidEccleston]

I also love the falling snow look, and I'm impressed with AF tracking a flying bird in snow. But, I don't like the lighting for two reasons.

First, the overcast day brings a need for higher iso, thus noise, thus loss of detail.

Second, the overcast/snowy conditions bring completely flat lighting, where I'd prefer to see some directionality to the lighting, helping to define the shape of the bird.

It's an awesome shot (we really do have 3 winners), but it's missing a tiny bit from being first.

[jerrytech1]

Congrats! nice work everyone!

[sedwards]

I totally agree that the light is flat and a bit of sun would have given it some depth . I also agree with you choosing Joel's shot over mine, awesome detail and colours.I will definitely try and find him again when there is better light.

[sedwards]

I should also point out that as for the autofocus tracking , it was snowing very lightly and I didnt like the very small flakes. I wasnt able to clean it up to my liking so I added more snow in photoshop.

[Joel Eade]

Thanks....I appreciate the kind words and am honored to be picked this week.