To paraphrase Zac Brown, the It is “whatever It is that blows a viewer away”.
Owls are just photogenic. For Barred Owls it really helps that they are more diurnal than their cousins so it’s possible to get shots in decent light.
Barred Owl In Autumn Maple Tree 
It also helps me that there is a pair that nests two houses down and are comfortable with people. It further helps that they like our yard that we’ve worked hard to become a more natural landscape.
Barred Owl In Autumn Leaves 
And, it certainly helps that they have a big personality.