Posted By: rpcrowe
Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 07/05/10 04:56 PM
There is a barn owl that sits on a fence near my house just about every night. I'd like to get a picture of this beautiful creature but, I am concerned that a flash might adversely impact the bird. IMO, there is no image worth hurting an animal to capture.
Posted By: psmith
Re: Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 07/05/10 06:30 PM
Think of it as artificial lightning. Storms don't hurt owls unless they are struck by lightning, neither will a flash.
Posted By: Jim Poor
Re: Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 07/05/10 06:58 PM
Glad you're thinking of the safety of your subjects.
Flash is fine for birds of all sorts, but with owls, on-camera flash can be problematic because of eye-shine. You'll need to get the flash well off camera to avoid it.
Posted By: James Morrissey
Re: Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 07/06/10 12:29 PM
Hi Richard,
I think you are raising a good question. The answer is probably 'no.'. Many bird photos incorporate flash. Generally I never use flash when shooting wildlife as I don't want to spook the critters. However, most of my pet work does. Now that i think about it, It seems like I make a bit of an irrational distinction...
BTW, a lot of birders use a product called a 'Better Beamer' to extend the reach of their flash.
James
Posted By: RomanJohnston
Re: Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 07/16/10 03:39 PM
Only if you chuck it at him.
Roman
Posted By: jadlh
Re: Will flash hurt a barn owl...? - 08/13/10 02:13 PM
The flash might hurt his night vision for a minute if you are taking photos in the dark, other than that there should be no side effects.