Cajun at Stellwagen

[Stephen Keene (Plumviewer)]

EOS 1D Mark III, EF 70-200 f/2.8 (non IS) ISO 800 f/10 1/800 sec. Cajun and her calf are well known to whale watchers. Because she is bubble feeding, here she's executing a steep "corkscrew" dive. C & C appreciated.

[Robert Amoruso]

I think you capture a great position for the whale here - beyond what you typically see. Well done on getting the decisive moment and framing it well.

The dynamic range of the image exceeds the camera's ability - combined with the large area of specular highlights shows a lot of contrast. If you are using a program with curves adjustments, do a reverse s-curve (http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=20434 for info). This will reduce the contrast of the image. You could also clone out the specular highlights with some careful work.

[Alfred Forns]

Great suggestions Robert !!!

Stephen when shooting whales or anything around the water try using a polarizer filter Will make a huge difference !!

[Stephen Keene (Plumviewer)]

I

The dynamic range of the image exceeds the camera's ability - combined with the large area of specular highlights shows a lot of contrast. If you are using a program with curves adjustments, do a reverse s-curve (http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=20434 for info). This will reduce the contrast of the image. You could also clone out the specular highlights with some careful work.

Robert; Thanks for your helpful comment about the reverse s-curve. Two comeback comments I think the root of the problems in the image is the specular highlights. When watching whales they are quite visible just looking at them with the naked eye. I think that in my original image I went to the center of the histogram and pulled it straight downward, perhaps unwisely trying to use increased contrast as a means of decreasing or hiding the specular highlights.

I tried a "reverse S curve" as you suggested, but found it tended to more than reduce contrast. I felt I had to tack or pin the center of the diagonal in order to curve only each end of the curve.

As for Alfred's suggestion of polarization, there's one in my bag and next time out it will see use. In my film days I abandoned its use for the sake of film speed.

I was reluctant to post the adjustment I ended up with. Somehow the water lost some of its blue. In fact I think my efforts fizzled. In any event I'll keep practicing. I do appreciate your helpful suggestion.