Polar Bear

[Steve Kaluski]

I can't remember if this has been posted before or not, but I recently needed to update and output so I took a leaf out of Gabriela's book and decided to posted an updated version. With updates in Software and constantly tweaking Workflows and gaining more knowledge it's amazing just how much an image can change and ultimately, what you actually find you have captured within the RAW. However, it also helps if the file is well exposed and with good techs.

This bear had come to us, curious as usual on the noises & smells coming from onboard. With a nose more highly charged than a Blood hound these are impressive animals, just love Bears!!!

Thanks to those who posted or viewed on the last posting.

Steve

Subject: Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) sniffing the air
Location: Svalbard
Camera: Canon 1DX MKI
Lens: 200-400f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/2500s at f/8 ISO1600
Original format: Landscape, slight crop
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2018

[John Mack]

Looks great. The dried blood is a nice touch. Great detail and background.

[Basil Dardagan]

Awesome image - the blood on the snout adds nicely. I reckon it would have improved the image if the bg was solid white

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys, Basil sadly it is what it is, but a simple manipulation would achieve the result you are suggesting and would add more standout to the subject.

[haseeb badar]

HI Steve -- Amazes me that how you manage to extract so much of detail all the time, absolute cracker. loved the pose and that snout painted with blood. Great techs and superb IQ.

I too agree with Basil reg the BKG , and you have already given your say on it but clean BKG would have made it even better.

TFS !

[Steve Kaluski]

OK guys thanks fo the feedback and hopefully the may address some of the thoughts. How far we take manipulation is an old chestnut and as soon as you change anything to a RAW you are manipulating the image, irrespective of cloning, but...

Crudely done as it's on the laptop, I also wanted to retain some of the darker elements (albeit very subtle) from the original BKG to avoid that blanket white that just looks pants and a huge giveaway in my book.

Cheers
Steve

[haseeb badar]

This is a very nice RP , works for me.

[Steve Kaluski]

This is a very nice RP , works for me.

Thanks, BTW there is a good talk in Ranthambore on the 30/11/18, not sure how far it is for you.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Another fascinating image of this PB. The whites are so cool and the red tinge of blood adds drama. The comp works well and the details o-so-good!

[Morkel Erasmus]

Love the fine detail and the hint of blood here. I remember a similar post but this is still great to see.
I don't like changing BG too much so prefer the OP, although the RP does look cleaner overall.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Steve - Late to this one but I also prefer the op. Not sure if you changed the bear at all but the tones and sharpness on the bear look better to me in the op (I just recalibrated my screen tonight and there seems to be a subtle difference). The blood definitely adds a bit to the image.

TFS,
Rachel

[Jay Shah]

Hi Steve, as always, great IQ, perfect PP and interesting pose. I prefer RP.