-10˚F, Lamar Valley, YNP

[Andrew Merwin]

Here you go Steve; a cow elk in the snow. I shot this about 30 min. after the sun cleared the surrounding mountains.

mark iv, iso 800, f/5.6, 1.33 ev, 100-400@400, bean bag, slight crop for composition.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Andrew, initial thoughts are that it all looks very bright, but then am viewing on the laptop. If I am correct, then I would look at reducing the exposure on the BKG to bring out more detail, drop some of the blue cast, even a hint of Red? I might also drop some exposure on the body of the elk too. Finally add some Levels & Curves.

Always try to meter off the snow close to the subject as the metering system can be fooled easily in these conditions.

Not sure if the attached helps or hinders. :w3

TFS
Steve

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks Steve. I will implement your suggestions on the RAW file to see how they work. This was a very bright scene when I shot it. I think the snow is too gray on the reworked image.

[Steve Kaluski]

Andrew if you are going to revisit the RAW the there might be another route to explore, will let you know.

Steve

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Andrew, nice winter YNP scene with good light on the elk. I like that we can see how deep the snow is. I agree that the snow looks a little bright in spots, particularly behind the head but Steve's repost does look a little gray.

TFS,
Rachel

[Sid Garige]

Nice image Andrew. Like the way you showed the snow. Portrays the harsh winter conditions very well.

[Robert Amoruso]

I like Steve's repost.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Nice moment here Andrew...good job in showing how thick the snow is!
Steve's repost looks good ito brightness to me...:bg3:

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks everyone for your comments & suggestions. I appreciate your views.

[D. Robert Franz]

Hmmm warm morning the the Lamar. Great light, I do prefer the repost... I'd probably clone out the branches on the bottom of the frame. Comp is fine.

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks again everyone. I will revisit the RAW file to try the various suggestions.