A Koala in my Garden

[Hilary Hann]

Not too sure how this will be received, but every few days I come across a koala visiting one of the trees in our property and everytime I come away disappointed with the ordinariness of the photos I take. This morning I was out feeding the horses and watching the many parrots nesting in tree hollows when I had the feeling that I was being watched. A large male koala was looking at me from about 2 metres away so I spent some time trying for something a little more interesting than the usual. Trouble is, the gum tree branches and leaves are always in the wrong spot. So this is a photo of his front paw and I quite liked it as I still get a feeling for the eucalypts and like seeing the very large and strong claws.

All comments and suggestions welcomed.

7D; 100-400 @ 400; ISO800 (in the shade of the tree); 1/500 @ f5.6. Hand held, slight crop only.


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[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Hilary, I think this is what we may refer to as a 'marmite' shot, some will love it, some may not, however I think it is great to see a different take on things and to explore other avenues.

Personally, if you hadn't said it was a Koala, then I would never have guessed, but realise they do need something of this build for climbing trees.

I like the way the paw/claws slightly curl in, conveying a grabbing motion and the inclusion of the tree, although not a lover of the small branch. I think you can lose the slight blue hue to the paw/claws and I get the impression you lightened the inner palm, if you have, I might go back to being slightly darker. It would, I feel, also benefit from a small Curves adjustment and more selective USM to help define things more, especially the claws, easier on the RAW. Personally I might lose the branch running diagonally over your name to make it a little cleaner, likewise a little off the RHS, but as I say, all personal tastes.

Nice to see something different. :cheers:

TFS
Steve

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Steve for the good suggestions. I'm comfortable with it not being obviously a koala, but will take all the ideas on board. :bg3:

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Hilary - I really like shots like this in general and this is no exception. I too would have never known it was a koala without your saying so. Nice sharpness and detail which convey a bit of power. I can't comment on color because I'm not familiar enough with koalas. My initial thought was for a portrait crop but the landscape comp has grown on me, though I would prefer it without the small branch by your name. I do like the golden tones of the bg. Nicely seen and captured.

TFS,
Rachel

[PhilCook]

Who would ever figure a Koala could be so wicked looking....I like it for something different, and from another perspective I've handled quite a few of these seemingly cute little fluff balls, the nasty claws show a very different aspect

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hi Hilary,

This really isn't the "Koala in my garden" shot I expected! Using the detail to imply the animal like this can be very powerful - and this is. I also like the dappled light and shade of the eucalyptus in the background. I agree with Steve on the 'palm of the hand' and the only other thing that I might change is to give a sliver more space above the claw.

We don't see many koalas here, so to see one so different is a real treat!

Thanks,

Gerald

[Steve Kaluski]

I'm comfortable with it not being obviously a koala

That's why it's an interesting shot Hilary.

[Marc Mol]

I doubt many would have known this species just from the claw Hilary, quite menacing and certainly a different take on your average koala image, nicely seen, love the BG.
TFS

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I am trying hard to see something new every time I look at taking a photo but it means that I have a lot more 'rubbish bin' shots. Hopefully it will be useful training before my next trip. Looked for my koala today, but who knows which tree is is sitting in now.

[Morkel Erasmus]

I love this Hilary. Something really different, and quite evocative I might add. I don' find the BG distracting at all, and would perhaps just brighten the claw a tad?