Canon 1DX
70-200 at 180mm
ISO 800 SS 1/2000 F 7.1
We had a glorious 10 minutes with these 2 leopards.We even had time to move the vehicle to try and get the best BG.
In PP this time, I did not increase saturation in LR. I think the grasses on the bottom of the frame give the impression of a more yellow/tan hue to the fur.
Decided to leave it as is. What do you think?
Comments and critiques always learned from and appreciated with thanks,
Gail
Hi Gail - as you said a very tender moment captured. Love the tails hanging down too. Sharpness and dof work well. If it were mine I would drop the reds about -15 or so. I think it's just that typical Canon skew to red/yellow. Also the blacks, particularly on the leopards, are a bit strong and choked up so I would try and bring those back a bit. Keep them coming.
Gail, you've shown me why I should come to the Wildlife forum more often. Can only imagine the emotions you felt in those 10 minutes. Extraordinary tender moment, beautiful light and composition. Thanks for bringing this image to us.
Like this way more than the previous post of these two.
Image does not appear too red/yellow on my monitor.
Love the comp, and like Rachel mentioned, love those two tails!
Agree with choked blacks, are you using TK by any chance..?
Did you get a mid-gray point in WB?
Why do cats always close their eyes when they experience pleasure? (like kissing with eyes closed...)
I reworked the image using your suggestions ie mid-gray point in WB and I lifted the blacks in LR.
Andre- does TK mean tonal contrast? I did not use it if that is what you mean.
Is this an improvement?
I am starting to feel like I am beating a dead horse here because the BIG PROBLEM with this series of images is the crappy light I had. Nothing can fix that.
This was the only leopard encounter that I had so I am trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear I think,
Gail
Hi Gail - I understand your frustrations here. The images you have captured with them on the fallen tree in the open is a perfect scenario for a session of photography and you have done well. I think for me what stands out here is the one I have often encountered and had the most problems with. That is the skyline and lighter area of the bg. Although not excessive here it does not seem to allow the subject to pop as it should. I quite like both versions so great stuff. TFS
This photo is not about back grounds or bad light. This is about a once in a life time interaction between a mother an young one, in animals that are very shy and very difficult to see in the open. The young ones facial expression is special and getting them in the open like this is a rare occurance. I love this photo!
TK panel is a plug in help for masks.
With the 1DX and the new lenses, at low ISO you don't really need to apply any NR, for me the BKG/FG is just too smooth I feel and emphasises the contrast between sharp and soft areas, personally I rarely use it below 3200, but your call, just my take.
I like both images I love the interaction and their positioning. Somehow though the image doesn't seem right to me, the background and foreground look pretty subdued yet the leopards are so vibrant/colourful and contrasting. I think I would lower the saturation on the leopards and lower the brightness/increase contrast a little on the background.
Hi Gail this one tops the other one , by far .
Lovely interaction well timed . . RP is too light in general for me , just alter the colors , just my 2 cents. Agree with Steve regarding NR , i even go higher and hardly apply any NR , just maybe if the image is underexposed and i have to recover some shadow detail.
I would not worry too much about the BG and I agree there is no need for NR. My eyes go right to the leopard mom and cub and what delight to view this tender moment between them - well done in capturing this special moment! Love the OP with its warmth and colours, I can say the RP might be a tad too light for my taste but maybe you could settle somewhere in-between ? I like the detail on the subjects very much, well composed and framed, great work Gail, I really enjoyed viewing, thank you