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Thread: Harbour Seal

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Harbour Seal

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    I almost posted yesterday remotely, but Andreas beat me to it and I hate to post a similar subject on top of another without a period of time, however now back... Shot late afternoon as we scouted along the shore line in the zodiac, on the lookout for that big white bear.

    This Harbour seal was very curious, encircling the zodiac for a few minutes, wanting to know what this object was. Cutting the engine we drifted as the seal would dive then surface elsewhere which proved an ideal guessing game - 'where would it surface next?', but a nightmare to plan for shooting, as unlike Hippos or similar you can sometimes see a trail, but these guys dive with ultimate stealth. The light provided a nice warmth to the water and the refection echoed in the waves which helped I felt.

    There was enough DoF at f/5.6 and a fast SS ensured a crisp image without going over board, FP smack between the eyes, plus 2/3 to provide a good Histogram.

    Thanks for either viewing or commenting on the previous image.

    Steve

    Subject: harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) head shot, in the water
    Location: Svalbard
    Camera: Canon 1DX
    Lens: 200-400f/4 HH at 560mm
    Exposure: 1/2500s at f/5.6 ISO800
    Original format: landscape, very slight crop
    Processed: LR6 2015 & PS CC2015
    Shot taken: 4.45pm

  2. #2
    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    The seal looks beautifully rendered, the surface fur is waterlogged yet detail is there. The colours of the water blend well with the subject. I also like to see the ear coverts (if that is the word) and the fine droplets on the whiskers, a very high quality image.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Steve you did really well in getting this low POV from the Zodiac !!!!
    Love the way you processed this in terms of colors and tones , stunning IQ as .... mostly always . Like the wider view with the little waves. and you have very nice detail from light to dark and very nice color depth .
    I just think after revisiting and taking it into PS , i feel the blacks around the eyes are a bit too strong , just a tiny bit more opened up would maybe give a bit more detail in those areas .well just a thought .
    Oh i forgot to mention the gorgeous clarity in this one !!!

    Nice work Mr Detail , TFS Andreas

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    Hi Steve -- Such a great high IQ image with excellent sharpness and great low POV , must have been difficult to achieve that angle from the Zodiac. Such images makes me feel produce similar results when out in the field . Inspirational stuff. TFS !

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Steve - Love the warm tones of the water and the waves. Comp works well as does the low pov. Nicely captured and processed. I do see a thin halo around the head.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Lifetime Member Andre Pretorius's Avatar
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    Hi Steve

    Comp works well, stunning detail as always!
    I would just like to see a bit more detail in the area around the left eye, just my take...
    Love the waves on his left, augment your statement about surfacing and diving.
    Regards

    Andre.

    www.gappimages.com

  7. #7
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    I do see a thin halo around the head.
    Hi Rachel, it's oh so very fine an in part, only noticeable if you add an adjustment, so for this I'm not worried, the Tiff is fine and I just checked out a proof this afternoon and it's not there, as this along with others will be out for print shortly.

    Andre, I send you a larger version.

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Steve - I know you often fill print orders so just wanted to point it out. Glad it's not an issue in the tiff or proof.

    ,
    Rachel

  9. #9
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    So am I, Xmas is looming!!!

  10. #10
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Awww, I love it:)

    Superb IQ and beautiful colours, so vivid - when can I order a print?

    Sorry to comment so late, cannot believe I missed this, truly beautiful Steve, congratulations

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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