I need some help with this image. I took this in June in Seward, AK, with about 250 others of this particular otter and a pair that were playing. I chose this particular one because I like the hand-holding, tail up pose he's giving. It's about a 40% crop, and I'm struggling with the best way to go about cropping this.
Specs: D300, Sigma 500mm, 1/1000 @ f/4.5, ISO 280. I did some minor adjustments in Nik; tonal contrast and detail extractor. I also cloned out a few small shiny spots on the tail where the sun was reflecting.
Hi Joseph, I would re crop this to move the subject out of the center of the image more towards the lower left and give him a tad more space. Also would go with some selective sharpening on the face. I really do like the pose and the image has lots of character.
07-03-2012, 05:47 AM
Rachel Hollander
Joseph - this is a tough one because the otter is looking toward you (which is good) but almost appears to be going in the opposite direction. I took your original from Zenfolio into PS and tried a few different crops (basically with the otter off-center and more toward each corner). This was the one I liked best. I also did a bit more sharpening. Let me know what you think.
TFS,
Rachel
07-03-2012, 09:20 AM
Steve Kaluski
1 Attachment(s)
Hi Joseph, I think you crop isn't that far off, but looking at the JPEG it is a tricky one to crop. My only though would be a slight variation on yours, cropping with a bit more space all round, darkening the water to give the otter more presence, adding, as Rachel mention some selective USM, and perhaps if you can, add a little graduation to the BKG.
Hope the collective suggestion help in a direction for you.
TFS
Steve
07-03-2012, 02:29 PM
Joseph Cala
Thanks all. Rachel and Steve, I'm torn on which one I like better! I can definitely see how darkening up the background a bit makes the otter 'pop' more than before. You've both given me some more things to think about!
07-04-2012, 05:22 AM
Morkel Erasmus
Love the pose here! I like both reposts but Steve's edges Rachel's (only just, Rachel)...
Getting any shot of an otter that doens't just show a snout and eyes protruding from the water is commendable in my book!
07-04-2012, 05:59 AM
Mark Wiseman
Hi Joseph,
A wonderful subject captured in a beautiful pose. With regards to the two reposts, I prefer Rachel's above Steve's, just a matter of preference I suppose.
TFS and best wishes,
Mark.
07-05-2012, 07:43 PM
Marina Scarr
Both reposts work, but I have to go with Rachel's since I find Steve's a tad too centered. Nice behavior captured here. Could not have been an easy shoot.
07-06-2012, 11:33 PM
Steve Canuel
Rachel's crop and Steve's work on the water improves an already nice image of this species.