Owling is a fun and quirky hobby that has garnered interest and popularity in recent years. It involves mimicking the stance of an owl by squatting down with your arms stretched out to the sides. While it may seem silly at first glance, owling provides an enjoyable and creative outlet for people of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of owling and provide tips for getting started.
A Brief History of Owling
The practice of owling first emerged around 2010 when people began posting photos of themselves squatting and posing like owls. The trend quickly spread across the internet through blogs and social media platforms.
While the origins are unclear, many credit owling’s popularity to a Facebook fan page called “Owling – The New Planking.” Planking was another quirky photo fad where people laid flat in unusual locations. As planking’s popularity waned, owling emerged as a fun alternative.
The lighthearted nature and whimsical silliness of owling struck a chord. Soon people all over the world were owling and sharing their photos online. It became an amusing hobby and creative outlet for all ages.
How to Do the Basic Owling Stance
Mastering the owling stance is straightforward but takes some practice. Here are the basics:
- Squat down with your knees together and feet slightly apart. Keep your back straight.
- Stretch your arms out to the sides with elbows bent at 90-degree angles. Hands should be flat, facing forward.
- Tilt your head slightly downward with your eyes gazing upward. Mimic an owl’s inquisitive look.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds while someone takes a photo. Try not to wobble or lose your balance.
Learning to steady yourself in the squatting position takes concentration and coordination. Start slow, holding onto something for support if needed. Over time, you’ll gain balance and confidence.
Having a spotter nearby is wise when first practicing to avoid falling backwards. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t restrict movement. Thicker pants or knee pads can help avoid discomfort when squatting.
Tips for Owling Like a Pro
With practice, anyone can master the basics of owling. But becoming an owling pro takes skill. Here are some tips:
Find Interesting Locations
Choose fun, unique outdoor settings to add interest to your owling photos. Parks, nature areas, statues/monuments, and landmarks make ideal backdrops. Get creative with your location scouting.
Incorporate Props
Add props like tree branches, stuffed owls, or anything owl-related. Other accessories like hats, costumes, or signs can add humor and personality.
Play with Perspective
Shoot from interesting perspectives like low angles, behind objects, or above for added creativity. Use focal length or get close up for fun effects.
Pose With Panache
Put on your best owl attitude by experimenting with expressive eyes, head tilting, and wing positions. Convey excitement, curiosity, wisdom, or skepticism through your pose.
Perfect Your Balance
Practice holding the squatting owling stance for extended periods steadily and gracefully. Build strength in your legs and core for impressive balance skills.
Capture Action Shots
Try owling while in motion by jumping, running, or swooping. Or pose while doing activities like biking, skating, or climbing a tree.
With the right mix of playfulness, practice, and persistence, you’ll elevate your owling skills in no time.
Owling Safety Tips
While owling is loads of fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind:
- Scope out locations in advance for hazards and sufficient clearance. Avoid owling near drop-offs, water, slippery surfaces, or traffic.
- Don’t attempt overly risky or dangerous spots. Have a spotter to assist if needed.
- Dress appropriately for the environment. Wear suitable shoes with traction and don’t overexert yourself.
- Stay aware of surroundings. Don’t block pathways or startle passersby.
- Be respectful of any restricted areas, property rights, or cultural sites.
- Take extreme care when owling with children. Provide close supervision.
The owling position can strain your legs, knees, and back if done excessively. Listen to your body’s limits and stop if you feel discomfort. With common sense and care, owling can be practiced safely almost anywhere.
Fun Variations on Owling
Once you’ve honed your basic owling skills, try adding flair and personality. There are many fun variations on the classic owling pose:
Group Owling
Owl with friends or family for creative group shots. Coordinate humorous reactions and interactive poses.
Themed Owling
Dress up in costumes or decorate according to events or holidays. Try owl-themed attire for extra fun.
Acrobatic Owling
Combine owling with jumping, flipping, balancing, or other acrobatic feats. Yoga owling anyone?
Sports Owling
Incorporate sports equipment like balls, bats, or rackets into your owling. Imaginative poses on bikes, skis, or skateboards add excitement.
Silly Owling
Goof around with exaggerated facial expressions, ridiculous outfits, or funny poses for maximum silly owl photos.
Photo Bomb Owling
Stealthily owling in the background of unrelated photos or photobombing tourist photos can lead to chuckles.
Let your creativity run wild and put your own personal spin on owling. The possibilities are endless for avid owl enthusiasts!
Owling Etiquette & Know How
When heading out to owl, keep in mind these etiquette and know-how tips:
- Ask permission if owling on private property or where signs prohibit photography.
- Avoid residential areas late at night when owling could disturb.
- Don’t damage or disrupt the location where you’re owling. Leave it as you found it.
- Watch for freaked out or amused passersby who may walk into your shot.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for longer owling outings.
- Have backup batteries/storage ready in case your camera dies at that perfect moment.
- Scout ahead for clean washrooms accessible for when nature calls.
- Review weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Windy days add extra owling challenge!
- Allow extra time for spontaneous owling fun. You never know when inspiration may strike.
- Know your limits and abilities. Attempt easier owling poses before progressing to advanced.
The beauty of owling lies in its carefree spontaneity. Just be sure to respect locations, safety, and people around you. Happy owling adventures await!
Getting Into the World of Owling
Curious where else you can immerse yourself in the captivating world of owling? From connecting with fellow owling enthusiasts to sharing your pics, there are plenty of opportunities to take your passion further.
Join Owling Communities
Several online communities like Owling Worldwide unite owling aficionados. Share photos, connect for owling meetups, or get inspired by others.
Follow Owling Social Media
On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, popular owling hashtags like #owling or #goowling showcase the latest and greatest owling pics.
Check Out Owling Blogs
Owling blogs document adventures or share tips. Consider starting your own owling blog to chronicle your experiences.
Exhibit Your Owling Photography
Submit your best owling shots to photo contests or display them proudly at arts/photo exhibits and shows.
Host or Join Owling Events
Rally fellow owling devotees for group outings, classes, or owling meetups in your area. Or attend established owling events.
Immerse yourself in the global community of owling devotees. Who knows, you may make lifelong friends with those who share your passion!
Top Benefits & Reasons to Go Owling
What inspires people to squat down and pose like owls across the globe? Turns out there are many perks and positives to the playful pastime of owling:
It’s fun & creative – Owling appeals to your inner child. It provides pure fun and laughter while letting your imagination soar.
Improves balance & strength – Mastering those owl stances takes coordination and core strength. Squatting is a great fitness move.
Makes you happy – Assuming those silly stances releases feel-good endorphins and makes even the grumpiest person smile.
Relieves stress – Hard to worry about life’s troubles while you’re immersed in the ridiculousness of owling.
Social connections – Owling with loved ones or new friends is quality bonding time full of laughs and memories.
Boosts confidence – Pulling off unconventional poses builds self-assurance. Owling shows you don’t take life too seriously.
Allows creativity – Personalize owling with costumes, props, and flair to showcase your creative spirit.
Provides photography fun – Channeling your inner Ansel Adams to capture captivating owling shots is deeply fulfilling.
Gives purpose – Having an enjoyable hobby and active community provides meaning and motivation.
Owling lets your inner child and creative spirit shine. Those are just some of the many benefits gained from this uplifting hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Owling
Curious about owling but still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How did owling get started?
Owling emerged around 2010, likely inspired by the popularity of planking poses. Photos of people squatting like owls spread rapidly online, kicking off an entertaining photo fad.
What is the best location for owling photos?
Picturesque outdoor settings like parks, landmarks, nature areas, and scenic vistas make ideal owling backdrops. Anywhere with good lighting and a safe surface to squat works.
Do I need special equipment for owling?
Beyond a camera for photos, no special gear is needed. Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement is recommended. Optional accessories add flair.
How long should I hold an owling pose?
Hold owl stances for 5-30 seconds to allow time for photos. Build core strength over time to steadily hold positions longer. Don’t overexert yourself.
Can kids safely go owling?
Yes, with supervision! Ensure kids owling pick safe spots away from hazards. Spot them as needed. Make it a family-friendly experience.
Does owling have health benefits?
Owling can build strength in your legs, core, and glutes through sustained squatting. It also promotes balance, sociability, laughter, and confidence.
Can I make money from owling photos?
Top owling shots do have money-making potential, from contests to licensing images for commercial use. Monetizing your work takes skill and persistence.
Whether you’re an owling newbie or veteran, hopefully these tips dispel any questions surrounding the basics of owling. Now grab your camera and get ready to have some wacky squatting fun!
Conclusion
Owling truly provides an enjoyable and creative outlet for all ages. By adopting the stances of these magnificent birds, you can channel your inner child, practice your balance, and capture share-worthy photos.
Start by mastering the foot positioning and arm placement of the classic owling squat. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in your stance and ability to hold poses steadily. Then add flair by finding cool backdrops, incorporating props, or putting on those quirky owl eyes.
Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings and staying within your physical limits. Respect rules, property, and bystanders when owling in public spaces. Consider joining online owling communities to connect with fellow owl admirers from across the globe.
Above all, embrace the sheer silliness of owling. Don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun expressing your creativity. The memories made from a day of laughter-filled owling with friends or family are priceless.
So get squatting and spread your wings – the world of owling awaits! What unique owl-inspired poses will you share?