Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Curious seal

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default Curious seal

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    OK, I'm going to post two of the same image, one was done last year, but since creating it I've again just tweaked my Workflow and so the second is the revise, but will add a caveat that it's done on the laptop. The revise has a bit more 'tonal' depth.

    Shot from a moving zodiac we spot this seal about 30m away, but very shy, therefore only having seconds to locate, focus and shoot before it dived. Dangling this kit over the side was tough on the arms and trying to avoid dipping it in whilst moving was challenging. The other factor was it was backlit and so you need to take this into account otherwise white backdrop, black face. There is a fraction of loss of detail on the side of the face due to it being wet and the sun lightening it.

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

    Steve

    Subject: Curious seal
    Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
    Lens: 500f/4 MKII 1.4X MKIII HH
    Exposure: 1/2000s at f/5.6 ISO500
    Original format: Landscape, slight crop LHS, top, bottom.
    Processed via: LRCC & PS2020

  2. #2
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Revised file for comparison.

  3. #3
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Ithaca, NY
    Posts
    10,421
    Threads
    1,708
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    The image on the bottom was processed last year and the one at the top this year? I like the top one better. Looks more fuller than the bottom one. Nice and sharp, well both are. Like the water on those whiskers.

  4. #4
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    The image on the bottom was processed last year and the one at the top this year?
    As per the date, original 2019 image in the OP, revised 2020 in the second pane.

  5. #5
    Lifetime Member Mike Poole's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Manchester, England
    Posts
    3,251
    Threads
    314
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    The low angle, clear still water and the bow wave are all nice touches here but you were unfortunate with the light angle which I think is detrimental to the shot, creating too much contrast between the 2 sides of the face.

    2nd pane is definitely nicer with the extra range.

    Mike

  6. #6
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    creating too much contrast between the 2 sides of the face.
    It's not a massive amount Mike, but here I wanted a bit more of a dramatic look for a change and the light delivered that.

  7. #7
    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Cheshire UK
    Posts
    17,287
    Threads
    2,653
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    2nd pane by a mile! I appreciate you can only work on what you have but the side of the face is just a bit too bright, you managed it well but this is image doesn't impress me as your others have.

  8. #8
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    you managed it well but this is image doesn't impress me as your others have.
    Sorry Jon to disappoint, I will ping you over another two, just looking at a heron image currently.

  9. #9
    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Dortmund / Germany
    Posts
    11,209
    Threads
    1,261
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Steve .... just say , Pane 2 for me. Well handled the lighting !!!
    Pretty darn good work , in the field and the edit is just nice !!!

    Jon - by no chance you will get details in the sun lit highlights !!!

    TFS Andreas

  10. #10
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,688
    Threads
    1,296
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Cheers Andreas, as you know when conditions dictate, you need to adapt to them and change the way you may think, but especially - how to shoot to get the shot and process it. It may not be 100% and nothing you can do about the small highlights, but having the contrasting light and bordering on almost a hi key environment, for me it's a little different.

  11. #11
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Hyderabad, India
    Posts
    5,088
    Threads
    1,356
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I quiet like this image Steve, It somehow emphasises the subject and draws attention. The low angle and eye contact are nice. Nice one.

  12. #12
    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Dortmund / Germany
    Posts
    11,209
    Threads
    1,261
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Cheers Andreas, as you know when conditions dictate, you need to adapt to them and change the way you may think, but especially - how to shoot to get the shot and process it. It may not be 100% and nothing you can do about the small highlights, but having the contrasting light and bordering on almost a hi key environment, for me it's a little different.
    100 % agreement

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics