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Thread: Stag emerging from the heather

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    Default Stag emerging from the heather

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    Another of the images from last week's trip to the Hoge Veluwe in the Netherlands. In fact this is the same stag as my previous post, but a lot of the mud had dried and gone by this time - but he was still pretty agitated. Things were getting a little darker as well, which is reflected in a bump up to ISO 2000.

    I was looking for some strong head and shoulders images and I think this achieves it for me. The pose shows off the power of the neck, shoulders and chest as well as the rack. He was trotting up out of a small depression so the feet were never going to be visible - I consider it more of a crop than a clip, but always interested to hear what others think.

    Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EF500mm f/4L IS USM +2.0x III
    Shutter Speed 1/320, Aperture Value f/8.0, ISO Speed 2000
    DPP, PS5.1, Neat Image and Smart Sharpen

    Thanks for looking,

    Gerald

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Gerald - gorgeous colors and tones to this with nice detail and sharpness. You're right it does show off his power. I understand what your saying about the legs but still would have preferred a bit more room below. The bg looks a little smudgy, maybe another round of NR?

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    I really like this image. I think the pose of the bull is interesting, I like the parallel lines of the grasses and bushes which have lovely tones and details. I do think that the effects of the high ISO would be visible in enlargement, but at this size on my monitor it looks fantastic.

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    Hi Gerald,
    I really like the incoming pose and the lines of purple.
    Yes to some more NR on the BG and I would add a bit more canvas to the bottom to allow for room for the virtual feet.
    A very powerful image and I like it a lot,
    Gail

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Hi Gerald, excellent detail, with good DOF on the stag. I like the angled pose, together with the placement in the frame. Yes to a little more space below.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hey Gerald , a lot better than the last one, in all terms.

    Like the colors , the contrast and the composition a lot.Look very powerful this guy marching through his area.Nicely processed, you learned your lessons.

    Noise is visible and can be reduced a bit more, but i think you need to add a tad more contrast if you do the NR.
    Think the stag can stand a bit more USM.
    I would tone down the grass a fraction.

    Nice one Gerald.

    TFS Andreas

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    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    What an amazing creature and so well captured here. Great angle and environment. Lovely details. Would love to see a tad more room below if you have it.
    Marina Scarr
    Florida Master Naturalist
    Website, Facebook

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    Great image Gerald. I am about to hit the sack so I'll keep this short. I would tone down the OOF grass in the FG just ever so slightly.

    Jamie

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Gerald, I feel this is much better compared to the previous posting because of the composition and it also looks better processed too, seems you have a little 'helper' nice to see a helping hand.

    I agree with Rachel in that it could do with a hint more space at the foot of the image, but it's not a deal breaker. What I might suggest is applying some Blacks in the Neutrals & Black in the Blacks of Selective colour, then apply a preset Linear Curve at around 60%. mask the area and reveal the parts that need it, ie the Stag. It just give the image a bit more depth and contrast I think it needs. Great to see things developing all round Gerald.

    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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    Many thanks to all of you for your kind and helpful comments - including my little "helper"!

    I was really delighted with the shots I was able to get that afternoon and it has been a great learning experience.

    Within the greater BPN family, I feel this is very special group here on 'Wildlife', and I am always pleased when I am able to post or contribute here!

    Thank you all very much!

    Gerald

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Love the colours and regal pose here Gerald. Can't add much to what's already been contributed...personally would've loved more space below

    IQ looks GREAT for a 500+2x and ISO-2000!

    Quote Originally Posted by Gerald Kelberg View Post
    Within the greater BPN family, I feel this is very special group here on 'Wildlife', and I am always pleased when I am able to post or contribute here!
    Thanks for those kind words...I hope many more will feel the way you do in the near future, and we will see even more participation and great images/critique being given
    Morkel Erasmus

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