Mr. Jackal

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Friends,

Thought I'd share an image of a Black Backed Jackal tonight. At the time the image was captured this relaxed fellow was sleeping under a large tree and we had to wait patiently for quite a while until he opened his eyes. It was 6:30 am, he must have been tired from running around and searching for food the whole night so he completely ignored us. As you can see it had rained during the night so the sand was wet and probably quite cool, I guess the pleasure of enjoying a little break in such "fine weather" is obvious in his eyes...

Nikon D850
Nikon 200-400F4 @330mm
ISO 1600
F7.1
1/1250s

This is almost FF and flipped horizontally. Processed in LR and PSCC. Thank you kindly for your time to view and comment on my previous images, much appreciated.

[John Mack]

Pretty cool frame here. Reminds me of a dog or cat just lounging around. Nice detail and tack sharp.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Lovely relaxed state of mind captured here Gabriela! I might have raised the whites just a touch had it been mine.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you Jon and Tobie, appreciated:)

Been working on another version of my "lounging" Jackal but not quite satisfied yet, will be back with an RP soon

Kind regards,

[Glenn Pure]

Nothing much I'd change here Gabriela. I like the moment and pose captured. The jackal does look 'pooped' and maybe a bit down (perhaps no luck finding food that night?). Having the animal diagonally across the corners works well and I see this quite a lot in images on BPN including avian. Must be something in that? Detail, colour and tone look good to my eye. Keep them coming. I do like the jackals.

[Steve Kaluski]

A pleasing portrait Gabriela, guess light was still coming up so everything is a bit muted? Must be the DoF that is providing the 'ghosting' appearance bottom RHC?

Look forward to seeing a RP if you think applicable.

TFS
Steve

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Gabriela - We don't often see jackals this relaxed. Beautiful detail and the comp works well for me. I do see what Steve is referring to in the lrc.

TFS,
Rachel

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much dear Glenn, Steve and Rachel:)

I now have four versions of this image, LOL. Here is just one of them. Upped exposure and did a curve adjustment...Slightly different crop but hardly noticeable. And reduced saturation a little.

No cloning or any "manipulations" in the lower right corner, must be DoF. Forgot to mention I did take out (cloned) two tiny sticks (really tiny) below the muzzle of the jackal and a leaf at the top of the image. But you won't notice, I was very careful

I might still play around with this...Or maybe share another image from the same sighting, we'll see

Hope you all have a wonderful evening ( and post more images please! )

Warmest regards,

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gabriela, personally I prefer this.

Can you drop me a line:
- If you adding any 'input' sharpening in LR what are you applying, the amounts please
- If you are then sharpening in PS for output, again the amounts and what type USM, Smart sharpen, High Pass...

or are you using LR when you Export, if so is it Low, Standard, High at Screen output

[Jonathan Ashton]

I would be happy with either! Just love that furry detail, I guess the slightly muted colours in the second are a little nearer to actuality.

[Glenn Pure]

Gabriela, I'm fine with both versions but I'm edging towards the original if I had to make a choice. I find the richer tones and colours more attractive.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you Jon and Glenn:)

Black-Backed Jackals vary in colour tremendously. But I must admit the fellow in the OP looks a bit like one of those red foxes, LOL.

Sly little things...They are so tiny in comparison with Side Striped Jackals, but so bold and daring. Such entertaining too. I will see if I can find more images for you:)

Kind regards,

[Stuart Philpott]

He looks like I feel most of the time Gabriela completely zonked I love this the detail on his face is wonderful,I have a def pref for your second edit,but that is just personal,I have no idea on their colour. The wet sand is a lovely little touch. No nits for me mate it's a lovely simple portrait which makes me wonder what he's half dreaming about

TFS

stu

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Stu, so glad to hear from you mate!

Now...why would you be zonked, late nights in front of the computer, too much PP work? I know how it feels...

Thank you so much for this, appreciate it.

And I'll tell you what Mr. Jackal is dreaming about...A nice big wildebeest kill and no one around

Have a wonderful week-end, Stu!

Kind regards,