Taken just before 10 pm from the beach in Svalbard, Norway. Some may think it is a little tight but I composed in the field to isolate these 2 and then had to crop from the left to get rid of a part of another walrus.
Canon 7D
300 II plus 2x III
1/400
f5.6
ISO 800
Tripod, cropped to 16:9 to eliminate part of another walrus, levels, curves, selective color adjustments and sharpened in CS6.
Hi Rachel, it's hard to believe just how full of our waste Svalbard is, we assume it would be perhaps a pristine location, think again, with fishing nets, plastic bottles and general garbage washed up on shore, so well done for finding a clean spot to shoot in!
I think it was a good call on the crop/format, just wonder if it could all move up a fraction, so a tad less FG and more BKG? Now this is just me thinking out loud so... how about darkening the BKG/FG so the drift would in the BKG becomes part of the scene and perhaps is more 'visible' to what it is and then run a little NR just to smooth things out a tad. Although some may now feel it's too distracting and prefer the OP, just trying to perhaps expand the image & direction? I think it also helps to play on the light too. Not sure how much 'clarity' you add, but I think backing off some, does help, less contrasty/gritty, but again depends on how you wish to portray/convey your image and how I perceive things I do like the image being on an incline, creates a good comp and it's more interesting IMHO. Obviously the DOF is a trade off with the ISO/SS, but more DOF might/perhaps helped here, as I think you are fighting to retain detail/clarity on the LH walrus which you have done well on as presented, difficult with the light available & him being in shadow.
TFS
Steve
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Hi Steve - I like what you've done here, especially the darkening of the bg and fg. I was going for a bit of a grittier image but appreciate your point on the clarity. I agree on dof and could have sacrificed ss since I was on the tripod but I was shooting the adult when the youngster came around the back and in the moment I just didn't go for more dof.
You are right about the garbage. There was a large piece of bright green plastic on the beach and at one point one of the walruses in the water had a rope draped around him. It's really sad that even in a place that has so few people, the effects of man's encroachment is felt.
I agree on dof and could have sacrificed ss since I was on the tripod but I was shooting the adult when the youngster came around the back and in the moment I just didn't go for more dof.
It's very easy to make comments from the comfort of a nice 'Capt Kirk' chair & big screens to view from, a totally different scenario when out in the field, still think you did a good job.
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
I think the darker BG & FG have improved the image. Both are now less bright and allow me to see more detail in the walrus(s)
Composition wise I like the incline but just wish there was a bit more space L, R & above the subjects.
If I'm honest it is not an image that I find particularly attractive but it certainly helps me learn.
PS, you've changed your avatar Rachel. Looks great.
You can do so Martin, but being engaging within a thread, or posing question, or thoughts is even better, that way we ALL can learn from each other. Being part of the 'BPN Community' and posting your points are just as valid and the more people contribute and play a part in a thread, the better the thread becomes, and the more we can distill and add to the knowledge gained. Please keep your thoughts coming, you never know, it could be the question someone has wanted to ask but didn't, or something we ALL have over looked.
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Hi Rachel,
Like another post on the page, it's good to see two different looking versions of the same species in one pic. I like the slightly darker surrounding of Steve's RP, seems to add a little vignette to the frame. Is that a tree trunk behind the head? Sad to hear about the trash, but not really that surprising.
very nice image. For me it is not to tight at all. Steve brought up already all. At least you got them a bit separate instead of a huge mountain of blabber
On the Beach
I do like the image being on an incline, creates a good comp and it's more interesting IMHO. Obviously the DOF is a trade off with the ISO/SS, but more DOF might/perhaps helped here, as I think you are fighting to retain detail/clarity on the LH walrus which you have done well on as presented, difficult with the light available & him being in shadow.
Rachel Hollander thanked for this post
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