Tadpoles

Before I did anything to this photo it looked flat from the pond water so I added a lot of contrast and color.
I am sorry I forgot all about the specs:o so her they are.

Date: 3/18/09 around 4:00PM
Weather: clear skies
Camera: Canon 40D
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM @ 400mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/200
ISO: 100
Flash: non
Tripod: non
Reflector: non

Thanks for your Critiques:)

Caleb, Very nice tadpole image you captured! I would love to know what aperature ,SS, ISO,etc. Please include things like if you used a flash,tripod,reflectors etc.. this way we can all see how you created this. I'll wait for your specs to comment-Regards

Caleb, I think the colors pretty much overpower the image for me. I'm having trouble seeing the tadpoles (murky water?) and, although I applaud your trying to make lemonade with lemons, this one kind of misses the mark for me.

I'm sure this technique would work on a more visible image, though...maybe a floral or a landscape?

Caleb, Thanks for posting the specs. At first I wasn't sure if the light was natural or not-
I think you have a day-glow look going on and it's one of those things you either like or don't. I like it-but think a few things could help -I am seeing some noise or posterization in BG -I would try to eliminate that. Also you could try to select your tadpoles and apply the sat. and contrast to just the BG. The blade that intersects the tadpole is distracting and I would clone it if it were mine. Thanks for sharing and I hope I was helpful.:)

Hi Caleb,
I like the base composition...and appreciate what you were trying to do here...your subjects are placed well in frame. Suggestions...:) I recommend on desaturating 2.5 degrees on the tonal hues and reduce the contrast levels by 1.0 degrees, this should give it a more natural look and feel. I also appreciate the fact that the water is murky, it's OK...I would run a pass of noise reduction at 40 percent intensity, this will reduce the grains and should leave the water in it's natural murky state...if you have any questions, please feel free to ask...looking forward to your next one...:cool:

I will try to do better next time I just thought the photo looked interesting

Thanks for the critiques:)

:) I know that you will do better Caleb...It just takes a little bit of patience and a whole lot of practice, and practice...:D Practice makes you better...like I said before; if you have any questions or need help, just ask me...now get to work, and show me what you can really do...:):cool:

I like the idea. I too would tone down some of the colors; perhaps darken the edges to bring out the tadpoles .....

Caleb, The photo is interesting and I see your thoughts here-We just want to help you refine it a bit-Thanks for sharing and keep them coming. I got discouraged a few times I think we all do-but nobody here is against you or your point of view they just want to help you to reach your goals as a photographer!:) And as Gus said anytime you have a question just ask.;)