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Thoughts Behind the Lens

Snowy Encounter

Snowy OwlDecember 26, 2025

If you want to know what was in my head, then keep reading. : )

Snowy Owl perched above a snow-covered field

Before she took off, I checked all my settings and stats through my viewfinder and gave myself the usual “you got this” pep talk.

For hours, I sat in a snow-filled ditch that reached my waist, allowing me to lay my upper body on the snow. When I noticed signs of takeoff, I repeated over and over steady, breath, pull back on the zoom slowly.

Snowy Owl lifting from the snow with wings raised

As she flies I settle into thoughts of ‘this is really happening’ , ‘wow she is getting closer’ and ‘she is gorgeous’.

Snowy Owl flying head-on with wings fully extended
Snowy Owl flying directly toward the camera above the snow