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Thread: Spotty's Timid Approach

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Default Spotty's Timid Approach

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    Hello Everyone,

    Thought I'd share something different tonight so here is a close-up of a young Spotted Hyena. This fellow came to the vehicle to investigate and got so close that at some stage I could not focus anymore and had to put the camera down. A little weary at first, but when he realised there was no threat whatsoever he got balder and started chewing on one of the front tyres...

    I really love the species and hope to spend more time with them in the future to learn new aspects of their behaviour. Their curiosity and baldness amazes me. As well as their gregarious nature and social structure.

    Nikon D5
    Nikon 500mm F4
    ISO 3200
    F9
    1/1600s

    Processed in LR and PSCC. Almost FF, only a tiny crop from the sides.

    Hope you all have a wonderful week-end, and many thanks for viewing and comments - I truly appreciate it.

    PS A little disappointed to notice that some members still post - from time to time - without contributing to others' images...

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Lovely eyes and details, it really grabs my attention, colours and exposure look spot on. You did really well getting the eyes and nose in focus. Did you get any with his ears in the frame?? - I like this image and it makes me wish I could see all the head....but maybe some impact would be lost and that is why you posted as is?
    Mr indecision that's me, I like it very much anyway. Have a good week end!

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    Hi Gabriela -- The first thing which comes to mind on seeing this image is the moment when a Hyena came very close to our vehicle and I had this similar opportunity for a unique portrait shot but techs were not there to nail it. I really liked the concept and the sharp face, nice choice on DOF , i think you were prepared.

    I would also like to see a version with complete ears / head in frame .

    You have done well in getting the face sharp with good details and colours looks nice as well.

    Nicely done, TFS !

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    Quite like this one. The framing is spot on for me. I am drawn right to those eyes. This fella must have wondered what that tire would taste like. Details look great. Nice and sharp where it should be.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you very much Jon and Haseeb:)

    And I do have some with ears, LOL. Here's one from the same sequence, taken seconds earlier.

    Nikon D5
    Nikon 500 F4
    ISO 2500
    F8
    1/1600s

    Will probably reprocess this as I am not 100% happy with it, nevertheless thought I'd share to satisfy your curiosity
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Gabriela, just looked at the OP and no further, but now you have the whole frame I'm a little unsure on the direction and if it ends anything, need to ponder.

    But going back to the OP I wonder about a CCW rotation and very slight crop on the sides? Disregard the colour tweak and slight 'lift' just exploring some options, I thought about the head being darker than the rest so it really pushes forward into the viewer, but needs some work when I'm back.

    TFS
    Steve

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Hello Steve! And thank you Steve

    Regarding the two versions, I personally prefer the one ' without ears ' as it is more ' in your face ' so to speak. I guess you too?

    Also wondered about the rotation but wasn't sure. My personal feeling was that - without the rotation - the face looked a little more quizzical. But having seen your OP I also like it, and the tighter crop definitely works better.

    Kindly let me know when you are back and I will send you the RAW, let us play a little and see if we can improve this

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    As we have said before Gabriela, we all see things differently, especially when it's our own images, because we took it and have lived with it from capture to posting, so please don't be swayed by my comments. You stated what drew you to it and why, all valid so it has reasoning.

    I'm driving back tomorrow, but hit the ground running with an engagement party early tomorrow evening of a good friend and the person who got me back into Photography, so just send the raw through whenever and I would be happy to take a look early in the week.

  9. #9
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Dear Steve,

    Over the past seven years you taught me to observe things in the field, pay attention to colours, point of view, watch where the light comes from, notice shadows. You also taught me to trust my instincts and sometimes ignore the rules if my gut feeling tells me it is the right thing to do
    So I understand exactly what you mean At the same time love to experiment and remain humble and open to suggestions - the only way to progress and improve one's photography

    I'll send you the RAW of course, no rush but I would love to see your RP whenever you get some time. Like the idea of the darker face and legs fading, I want this little one to 'walk out of the screen'

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    You are too generous with your words Gabriela, pop the file over tonight or tomorrow and I will look at it on Tuesday and RP.

  11. #11
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    I will gladly do so, thank you Steve
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Here is my take gabriela. Not a million miles away from yours and wanted to retain a lot of what you said. Just kept the file as open as much as I could and to hopefully bring a little more subtle detail as per the OP.

    Steve

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you very much Steve, much appreciated! Very neat, I like it. The most important features - nose and eyes - stand out really nicely. He 'pops' in other words:) It is what I wanted to achieve.

    Mine looks like a bit like a mouse now
    Gabriela Plesea

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