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Thread: Praying

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Default Praying

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    This tree squirrel was scurrying all over a dead tree next to my car. All of a sudden she stopped and I captured this pose as if she was praying. She actually started to preen herself, but just liked how the little hands were up near her face as if praying. Overcast conditions during my recent trip to the kruger national park.

    Canon 1D Mark IV
    Canon 300mm F/2.8
    1/250
    F/7.1
    ISO 640

    Hand held from the car.

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    Very nice pose and soft light Stu, he certainly looks like he is meditating! Good comp too.

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    Great title as it suites the image. It is always difficult to compose animals with long tails such as these, you dont want to cut off the tail but at the same time you dont want the subject too central. The comp here is one of those tough ones and theres not much more you could have done, i would in these situations wait for the squirrel to look at the camera which would then anchor the comp. Detail and colour wise all looks great, i may be inclined to add a touch more midtone and contrast to the squirrel.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Stu, I agree with Brendon, a hard one to crop and creating a fine balance between all elements.

    You certainly have the clarity and sharpness in the image, typical of the 300, but it does need something to define the fur more I feel. I think you need to make the choice as each one will change the characteristics of the subject, wether it's a mid tone adjustment, a Channel curves or Selective colour you opt for, as it just needs to pump a bit more 'contrast' into the subject. Tonally is just a faction off to me. But remember, if you apply any of these you need to be clear what parts need it, as you can easily loose fine detail in say the eyes or face, something I think you want to avoid. I like the colour of the BKG as it's complimentary to the subject and gives standout.

    Meant to add, are you sure of the sex of this one?

    TFS
    Steve

    Stu, you should make them an offer for the lens.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Forum Participant edwardselfe's Avatar
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    Sure this is a she!? Nice pose and good processing. Think it looks a little flat, so I might boost whites and highlights a little.
    Ed

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Stu - great title and I had to laugh at the comments about gender. The soft light worked nicely here. Good comments and suggestions above. Definitely a tough one on comp but I like the slope of the trunk and think it adds a bit.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    Love the pose here Stu and the diagonal framing of the log also.
    TFS


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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Thanks a stack for all the positive feedback, and will try all of the suggestions.

    With regards to the sex - just googled it - " there is no difference in appearance between male and female. The only way to tell is turn it over" What looks like a 'nipple' gave me the impression of being female. It too high to be male member. Cheers.

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    Stuart it is interesting reading re the composition and subjects with long tails this looks fine to me as posted and still as a very lifelike animal even with closed eyes.

    Keith.

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Nice pose here Stu. Some excellent advice already dished out, would crop from the front personally - no dead space needed here as the squirrel is stationary?
    Did you borrow the 300? When I was shooting Canon I loved owning that lens...
    Morkel Erasmus

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Morkel Erasmus View Post
    Did you borrow the 300? When I was shooting Canon I loved owning that lens...
    Thanks Mork. I was lucky, it was offered to me for the trip. Should have mentioned it in my intro. I did state it in my previous post. Yep, its a great lens. Ive been looking for a 2nd hand one, but they are very scarce.

    Keith, thanks for your feedback too.

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