Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Stage 1

[Jonathan Ashton]

I have started a little project with squirrels and Jays in the back garden, this is the start, I am hoping for something a little more dynamic over the next few weeks.

Olympus E-M1X
Focal Length : 135.0mm
Focal length in 35 mm film : 270.0mm
Exposure mode : Manual exposure
ISO Sensitivity : 1000
Exposure compensation : -0.3 EV
Shutter : 1/800 sec
Aperture : F4

ACR/PSCC

[Steve Kaluski]

A 'classic' pose of the acrobatic grey, but the flowers behind are distracting and the chewed in part post and especially the top, I do find ugly and not very attractive. I would look for a better prop for the forth coming project. Have you added any 'grain' John, the perch just has a particular look, or perhaps if you lighten it, coupled with the sharpening it has given this impression????

TFS
Steve

[Jonathan Ashton]

Hi Steve no haven't added grain, I agree the Michaelmas daisies aren't ideal in the background ( I have to admit I just wanted to post something - life pretty slow at the moment photographically speaking.) The squirrels are pretty destructive chewing up perches digging up wildflower plants and generally making mess everywhere, as soon as I get the shot I am after they can go elsewhere! .........Well maybe not really!
Thinking on your comment I could have easily cropped the top off it would have looked better.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Steve no haven't added grain, I agree the Michaelmas daisies aren't ideal in the background ( I have to admit I just wanted to post something - life pretty slow at the moment photographically speaking.) The squirrels are pretty destructive chewing up perches digging up wildflower plants and generally making mess everywhere, as soon as I get the shot I am after they can go elsewhere! .........Well maybe not really!

Hi Jon, probably have to agree with you, but having just got back it's been more of a catch up and talking to some Canon folk, but heading north Tuesday so lets see. The two Greys here, are, as you say destructive so somehow I think you need to protect your perches. If its not grain then did you apply texture, if yes then I would dial it back, but....

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear Jon,

I like the composition here and especially the way the squirrel 'stretches' along the perch.
Yes to a small crop at the top, not sure if something can be done about the flowers in the background.
Subject looks sharp with nice detail and pose is really cool, great timing

Warmest regards,

[John Mack]

Cool upside down pose. I like the way the rear feet are gripping.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Jon ... cool shot , IMHO.
Just the top of the perch is not the most attractive , but I could live with it for the moment .... as long as I do not have anything better .

Color and tones are looking good to me ... just think the sharpening or texture looks somewhat " strong " in the subject and perch . But this is minor and might be just me .

TFS Andreas