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Thread: Sea Otter

  1. #1
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    Default Sea Otter

    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.

    The link for the original is here: http://josephcala.zenfolio.com/img/s...87712625-5.jpg

    Cropped and edited version:
    Name:  p690435865-4.jpg
Views: 68
Size:  233.1 KB

    Thoughts? Thanks!

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    BPN Member Don Lacy's Avatar
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    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.
    Don Lacy
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    There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs - Ansel Adams
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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    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

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  5. #4
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    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
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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  7. #5
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    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!

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    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!
    Morkel Erasmus

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    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.

  10. #8
    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    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.
    Marina Scarr
    Florida Master Naturalist
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  11. #9
    BPN Viewer Steve Canuel's Avatar
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    Rachel's crop and Steve's work on the water improves an already nice image of this species.

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