Common Seal

[William Dickson]

Hi guys

This is a Common Seal from the shore in my hometown. It has to be the right conditions to capture these seals, one hour before high tide, and the late afternoon/evening when the sun is behind me. At this time you can get quite close to a group of about 10. Handheld whilst sitting on the rocks. 1DX, f/4 500mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 640 at 700mm

Will

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Wil,l a nice capture and definitely better than past posting in terms of capture and PP. Time of day may have also have helped as the light is warmer and kinder to you, sitting on the rocks, hope you didn't get your feet wet.

As the seal was quite relaxed and not moving you could have got away with a slightly lower SS, say 1/1000 but as presented techs were fine. Personally and if you have it, I can see an alternative with half the space at the foot (Rule of thirds) and more above, crop just above the lighter rocks. Might have gone for the 5DIV on this occasion.

TFS
Steve

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Will,

Lovely pose from the seal and eye contact is great, I also like the colours and especially the blue of the water, helps the subject stand out so nicely.

Techs look good, frame is well exposed. Composition works but I think Steve's suggestion is worth exploring, that BG is so stunning and I would like to see more of it

I like your processing here, very nice work Will. Always happy to view your images and I sincerely hope you'll be back more often here in the Wildlife Forum!

Kind regards,

[William Dickson]

Thanks for that, Steve and Gabriela, much appreciated.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the "perch" the seal is relaxing on - nicely draped with the sea vegetation and decorated with barnacles (?). Good light, stare, details. I like Steve's composition suggestion.

[John Mack]

Very nice frame overall. Like the stare from the seal and the way it is loafing atop this rocks shelf. The seaweed on the rocks is another nice touch. The light is pretty nice as well.

[Stuart Philpott]

Hello Will how are you good sir? Fella looks so sad Will. It's a lovely tranquil scene nice light colours look good to me I don't know the species but know the rocks weed and sea.

TFS

stu

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nicely processed Will and I like the pose, I agree though I feel there is too much at the base.