Elephant Seals

[Nancy Bell]

This big boy was trying to sneak a breeding moment with this female at the edge of the harem. The harem master somehow caught on and dashed, elephant seal style, over the masses of females and pups in-between. The offending male made a quick departure right towards a group of us watching. We scattered right fast, nearly tripping over feet and tripods!

I used fractalius and general PS tools.

[Dennis Bishop]

This is a wonderful image, Nancy. I'm glad you clicked before you had to get out of the way. The colors are just incredible -- perfect for the subjects. I love the blobby shapes in the background. No detail but we know what they are. You caught this at just the right moment. The contrast in size and expression between the two seals is tremendous.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Nancy, I love the composition and the fractalius - it works well on the image. I think I would eliminate the pyramid shaped spikey thing in the upper right hand side - it doesn't seem to go with all the rounded shapes. (Oh, it's probably a flipper, I just figured that out but I still think it looks out of place).

[denise ippolito]

Great moment captured Nancy, these guys really grew on me. I love the effect. I might evict the dark piece on the left edge and the tiny triangle noted by Cheryl if it were mine. Awesome work- you are getting too good

[Nancy Bell]

Thanks, Dennis, Cheryl and Denise! Cheryl & Denise, I saw both those "blobs" after I posted and totally agree they could go. I looked in the original and the triangle thing is actually a King Penguin and the dark blob in the lower left is the head of a baby elephant seal.

[gary ellwein]

Love the interaction between the two main subjects. The tone and texture works. Eliminating the baby seals head would help.

[laurie golden]

Nancy,

I think Denise got it right - you are getting too good. I think it is very hard to take a seal on the beach photo and turn it into something beautiful and you have done it. I agree with deleting the baby in the lower left.

[Paul Lagasi]

Nancy, I have to admit this is one image that I would buy if I saw it in a gallery, lovely effects and composition, looks a lot like a Robert Bateman...this one is lovely.
Agree with removing dark shape on left.

[Judy Howle]

You captured great expressions on the faces of the 2 seals. Excellent composition and filter work Nancy! I agree with the above suggestions for improving the image.

[Jay Sheinfield]

Nancy, this is excellent. A wonderful moment in time captured. Processed so very well. Wonderful image.........those eyes just grab me. Love it.

[Anita Bower]

I never knew Elephant Seals could look cute. The processing is just right for this image.