These Owl Portraits Prove There Is No Creature in the Animal Kingdom More Mysterious

Expert photographer Brad Wilson is known for his captivating, close-ups of various wild animals. With an extremely narrow depth-of-field and a pitch black backdrop, Wilson's aim is always to capture the most breathtakingly intense shot possible. And it's pretty evident he doesn't settle. Recently, Wilson dedicated an entire photo-series to one of the most arcane and mysterious creatures out there: the owl. 

Due to their enrapturing appearances and nocturnal nature, among other things, for centuries, various cultures have attributed preternatural powers to owls, ranging from seeing them as keepers of wisdom to protectors of the deceased, and even guardians of the underworld. Wilson, determined to portray their brilliant and powerful mystique, captures pictures of some of the more exotic owls in the world staring directly into the lens - or should we say, your soul.