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Thread: The Hispid Cotton Rat (cute)

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    Default The Hispid Cotton Rat (cute)

    I normally don't take photos of rats, but I saw this guy munching down on a recent trip to one of my favorite birding places. I got down, waited patiently, approached as much as I could, and took this shot (along with some others)

    Nikon d300s | 500mm f/4 VR + 1.4x
    700mm | 1/320" | f/5.6 | ISO 400

    Comments and critiques are welcomed and appreciated


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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Hi Miguel, certain not a subject often posted here, but I have, over the years had a few of these visitors whilst close by my hides, not my most favourite animal.

    I like your angle and POV, always good if you can to get to eye level with your subject, plus the behavioural aspect of eating, adds to the content of the image. Good choice on the DOF as it's created the ideal surround for the subject and the slightly mottled, diffused BKG is perfect. Is it dew on the ground that gives those little sparkles in the FG? The image for me does need some adjustments in both yellow & blue, addressing also the whites, plus I would make some additional adjustments in both Levels & Curves, finally adding some more selective USM on the head, perhaps something like this, WDYT? Please review in PS as this will give a clear colour to view.

    TFS and hope to see more diverse subjects from you.

    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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    Thanks Steve. For some reason I hadn't noticed the color shift in the original image, but I can definitely see it now. I really like what you have done with the image. I'll give it a shot myself. Thanks for taking a look and spending the time to help out. Very much appreciated!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    You are most welcome Miguel, please RP after you have made the adjustments, as it would be good to see.

    Cheers
    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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    Default Repost with edits

    Steve, I went ahead and took most of your suggestions - and I think it improves the image quite a bit. I kept the green in the grass the same as I felt that was more of an esthetic judgement call. I did color correct a bit more on the cotton rat and sharpened a bit. I didn't want to sharpen too much, because I felt that the softness of the fur/hair gave it more of the 'cute cottonball feeling'. Thanks for your help on this one!!


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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Miguel, big improvement and the image looks so good now. I think you could still push things a little more in relation to the body only, but I think this has shown you what you had in the original file and it's always better to use the original file rather than a posting.

    Look forward to seeing more and hopefully you will participate on other members threads with your thoughts & advice too.

    Cheers
    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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