Artemis

Over the past few months, I've had the distinct privilege of photographing Artemis, a stunning Eurasian Eagle Owl, in a local woodland during spring, and when the bluebells were in full bloom. This project came together thanks to a chance meeting with Claire, the owner of Artemis, at the photo exhibition run by the Friends of Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park group. I was one of two photographers featured in the exhibition, and it was here that I struck up a conversation with Claire about my interest in birds of prey.

Using my Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera with a Nikon Z MC 105 f2.8 VR S Macro lens, I was able to capture Artemis in a natural setting, perched among the bluebells and framed by the woodland backdrop. The Nikon Z7's lightweight design and the macro lens’s precision made it the perfect setup for getting close and capturing the intricate details of Artemis's plumage.

The sessions with Claire and Artemis were relaxed, allowing me to experiment with different compositions and lighting conditions. Claire was incredibly patient, ensuring Artemis felt comfortable while giving me the time to capture the perfect shots. It was quite a sight to see this majestic owl nestled amongst the bluebells, with hisr large, expressive eyes and intricate feather patterns on full display.

I'd like to express my sincere thanks to Claire and Artemis for their patience and cooperation throughout this project. It was a fantastic experience that not only allowed me to capture some beautiful images but also gave me a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.

Photographing Artemis in the woodland setting was an absolute joy. The vibrant colours of spring, combined with the striking presence of a Eurasian Eagle Owl, made for a unique and memorable project. I hope these photos reflect the beauty and serenity of the woodland and the majestic presence of Artemis, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a remarkable bird. I'll continue to add to this project when more images are made, hopefully in the months and years to come. Claire has a youtube channel with a couple of videos of Artemis on it, and you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@only_owls