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Thread: The 'humble' Walrus

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default The 'humble' Walrus

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    A small departure from Polar bears to the humble Walrus, sorry John M.

    We found four of these beasts hauled up on a very small pice of pack ice. Both zodiacs launched and taking our time we manouvered very close, a testimony to the skill of the Guides.

    Males are far easier to approach providing they are aware of you and so lowering voices is not required here, infact the total opposite. To try and approach females even at 300m they would just go. To be so close and being low aided to taking the image.

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

    Steve

    Subject: Walrus (Odobenus Rosmarus) on pack ice
    Location: Svalbard
    Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
    Lens: 500f/4 with 1.4 Ext HH
    Exposure: 1/2000s at f/16 ISO2500
    Original format: Portrait, FF on width, slight crop from the top
    Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2019

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    What a super shot, looking at the whiskers they look to be texturally (is that a word?) more like long thin claws than anything else, I suppose they have to be pretty rigid to stir up the sea bottom. The fur and the skin are beautifully rendered.
    I don't know if it would make any difference to this super image or not but is there any more canvas left on the RHS? Maybe you cropped it there due to other walrus being present?

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thanks Jon,

    but is there any more canvas left on the RHS
    As I said, FF on the width, as the head was leaning to the left I just left it tight to the RHS with space to the left, just wanted a very tight portrait to emphasis those bristles and texture of the face, it's about detail and the character of this species I wanted to convey.

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Thanks Jon,



    As I said, FF on the width, as the head was leaning to the left I just left it tight to the RHS with space to the left, just wanted a very tight portrait to emphasis those bristles and texture of the face, it's about detail and the character of this species I wanted to convey.
    Yes, sorry I didn't notice the width bit in the techs, you certainly succeeded in conveying the character!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Jon, no worries, I also do the same every now and then.

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    The whiskers really are the bomb! The back of the animal in the front was bad luck ... It really hurts the image by hiding the bottom of the one tusk.

    with love, a
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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Let’s see what the next posting brings Artie.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Good evening Steve,

    This is when I start looking through my folders and thinking " I have nothing good enough to post "

    Superb capture of this Walrus and detail is absolutely stunning, so are the colours and textures. Beautifully exposed and great choice of DoF ( makes me wonder, have I ever shot at F16...and why not...)

    Those pink patches, I suppose they are battle scars... Quite a warrior and probably an older male, very impressive character and indeed well portrayed. Been wondering what makes this image so powerful and engaging... I think it is the POV, which emphasises the sheer size of the subject
    Beautiful work, Steve, always such a pleasure to view your images, thank you for sharing

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Fascinating details Steve. The sharpness and detail are just amazing. Colours looks very good and the close up works well, just wish the other tooth was fully visible.

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    Well one thing is for sure. It's not a polar bear. Detail is great though. Nice pose and light. Those whiskers look great. Yes a bummer about the other animal. But that's nature for you.

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    Wonderful clarity, don't see enough shot of these.

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    Hi Steve -- An absolute hulk of a creature. The angle the proximity makes it look even bigger. Lovely IQ as always and colours.

    I agree with Sir Artie reg the tusk being obscured but it is all part and parcel of wildlife photography.

    TFS !

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