Tips for Photographing Winter Owls

Short-eared Owl

Winter presents a unique opportunity for nature photographers to capture the beauty of owls in their natural habitat. The serene, snow-covered landscapes create a striking contrast against these majestic birds of prey. However, photographing owls during the colder months can be challenging, as the birds’ behavior and the environmental conditions require special consideration. Here are some expert tips to help you get the most out of your winter owl photography sessions.

1. Prepare for Cold Weather

Winter photography can be a cold endeavor, so it’s important to dress in layers and wear appropriate outdoor gear to stay warm. You want to be comfortable to focus on looking for the owls and not give up due to the uncomfortable conditions. Additionally keeping your gear safe and dry is important too. A high-quality camera bag with thermal protection can help safeguard your gear from freezing temperatures. Be mindful of condensation that can build up when moving between cold and warm environments—always allow your camera to adjust gradually to temperature changes. Your electronics batteries will also deplete much faster in cold weather. I keep mine in a pocket or satchel close to my body for warmth.

For more information on winter gear (and settings) my article Mastering Winter Wildlife Photography: Settings & Gear goes more in depth on the topics.

2. Scout the Right Locations at the Right Time

In general owls are often found in quiet, wooded areas, and winter can make them easier to spot because the bare trees provide less cover. Look for owls in areas with large, mature trees, open fields, or areas near forests and wetlands. Understanding that many owl species are most active during dawn and dusk and prefer a certain habitat is very helpful in finding them. It is also important to know that some owls are year-round residents and others are winter migrants. Each species is a little different, and with some research you can greatly improve your photo opportunities. I find that having a specific species in mind and then going to the type of habitat they prefer at the right time of day will greatly increase your chances of seeing them.

For example, screech owls are often found in the hollows of old trees. For them, wooded areas near open meadows or marshes are favored habitats. By contrast, short-eared owls enjoy perching on the ground or in low areas like culverts, cracks in boulders or under old farm structures. They prefer areas with fewer trees, large wide open grasslands: farm fields, meadows, and sometimes even grassy marshes. The short-eared owls come out from hiding at dawn and dusk to hunt, flying low over the grasslands in search of prey.

During the colder months, many owls, such as the Snowy Owl, can be found in open areas where they hunt for small mammals or waterfowl. I find snowy owls sitting out in the open on remote coastal beaches and at any time of day. This is a great example of the contrast between species, as most other owls are best found at dawn or dusk. Doing research and planning your location ahead of time will increase your chances of spotting one.
For more information photographing owls check out my article Owl Species of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey: A Photographers Guide.

3. Use Proper Camera Settings

To capture owls in flight or perched in low light conditions, you’ll need to use specific camera settings. A fast shutter speed is essential to avoid motion blur, especially if the owl takes flight suddenly. Aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/2000s for birds in motion. I like to set my aperture wide open to a low number f-stop (such as f/4, 5.6, or 6.3) to ensure the subject is in focus with a shallow depth of field.

In winter, natural light can be low, particularly on overcast days, so you may need to bump up your ISO settings. Be cautious not to raise it too high, as this can introduce extreme noise. In most modern cameras, an ISO setting from 400 to 2000, is a perfectly acceptable range. If you're shooting in a snowy environment, remember that the camera's metering system may overexpose the white snow, so you may need to adjust your exposure compensation to avoid losing detail.

4. Focus on Eyes and Detail

The owl’s face and eyes are the focal points of the image, so it's important to ensure sharp focus on these features. Use a single autofocus point and aim for the owl’s head and especially the eyes to be perfectly in focus, as this will give your photograph an intense, captivating quality. In the winter, owls may also be covered in snow or ice, so capturing these small details can add an extra layer of intrigue to your photos.

5. Embrace the Snowy Backdrop

Winter’s snow-covered landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for dramatic owl photography. Snow can create striking contrasts, especially with the darker feathers of many owl species. Look for opportunities to compose images where the bird stands out against the white or slightly textured snow. It’s important to understand how snow reflects light; it may cause your camera to underexpose the image, so keep an eye on your exposure settings and adjust accordingly. Sometimes you have unsightly contrast of cluttered branches. If you can move to the right or left to eliminate or soften distractions in your background this is often very impactful for your composition.

6. Work with Natural Light

Winter days can be short, and overcast skies are common, which can create soft, diffused lighting. This is often ideal for wildlife photography, as harsh shadows are minimized, and details on the owl’s feathers and face are more visible. Take advantage of the low-angle light during early mornings or late afternoons when the sun is lower in the sky. This “golden hour” light can add warmth to your images, even in the cold winter months.

If you’re photographing owls during the day, avoid direct sunlight, as it can create harsh contrasts and cause parts of the owl to be overexposed. Diffuse light on cloudy days will provide a more even tone and allow you to highlight the textures in the bird’s feathers.

7. Be Patient and Respectful

Owls are sensitive and wary of human presence, so it's important to approach them slowly and quietly to avoid startling them. Avoid sudden movements, prolonged eye contact, rushing towards them, and overall keep a respectful distance. Patience is key when photographing wild birds—take the time to wait for the right moment, whether it's a close-up of an owl perched on a branch or a dramatic shot of an owl in flight against a snow-covered background.

Use a long lens (500mm or greater) to maintain distance while still getting close-up shots. This will allow you to observe the owl without disrupting its natural behavior. If the owl is hunting or perching, be mindful of your impact on the environment and the bird’s well-being.

8. Capture Owls in Action

Owls are fascinating hunters, and winter provides an opportunity to capture them in action. Whether it’s swooping down to catch prey or taking off from a perch, action shots can add a dynamic element to your photography. To freeze motion, use fast shutter speeds, and track the owl’s movement with your camera to maintain focus.

If you're lucky enough to photograph an owl in flight, try to capture it against the snowy backdrop for a dramatic and crisp composition. Keep your camera settings flexible, and be prepared to quickly adjust for changes in light or the owl's behavior.

9. Ethics

While there is great debate for the sharing of specific owl locations online, please be mindful of such. This is the owls home and sharing exact locations in public can often encourage extreme crowds and bad human behavior. If you have ever seen the floor of a movie theater or concert after the show, you can imagine how quickly the owls home and safety can be disrupted. Please only share locations privately to those you trust to treat the wildlife with respect. Let’s be good stewards of these wild creatures so that they return and thrive for many years to come.

Conclusion

Photographing winter owls is a rewarding and exhilarating experience, but it requires preparation, patience, and skill. By understanding the behavior of these fascinating birds and the challenges that come with winter photography, you can increase your chances of capturing stunning, memorable images. With the right camera settings, equipment, and respect for wildlife, your owl photos will reflect the magic of winter’s wild beauty.