Another subject from Kenya 2008. These two were very close to each other most of the time and I had to wait for a shape or some action before I released the shutter. This was the best that fitted that requirement.
I wondered about the composition. One side would ask for more canvas at the bottom as I reckon the virtual feet are only just on the canvas. However if I cropped with more canvas at the bottom then I show a larger OOF portion which is not to everyones taste either.
Canon 1DMK3, 500mm, f4, 1/400, ISO400
I'd appreciate your thoughts/comments.
Best regards,
Austin
Last edited by Austin Thomas; 12-06-2008 at 12:00 PM.
Reason: Camera and exposure settings added.
Austin, you rocked this one! You're right...a little more room at the bottom would have been nice but if it's more distracting than helpful then I think you did what was best by cropping where you did.
Your exposure is beautiful. The sky and FG are both soft and both really set off those gorgeous stripes. I can't tell on this small print if the zebras could stand a bit more sharpening or not - my eyes go wonky every time I try to get past the stripes to see!
I do think a little higher aperture might have been nice just because there is nothing distracting in the BG and it might have brought higher focus to all the individual birds on their backs. I don't really love the green on the front hind leg of the adult zebra but if cloning proves to be impossible then I'd leave it be.
A lovely image Austin. I am in agreement with Julie's comments regarding higher aperture. It is something I keep running into with multiple animals, and zebra are particularly confusing to work with. Also, a very tight crop of the two zebra from shoulder forward is very a strong image-but maybe too large of a crop.
Austin,
I want the oof area at the bottom. It would bring the focus on the Zebras. The interaction between mother and child gives a nice feel to the image. I like the colours in the image.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi
Hi Austin,
Although it would've been nice to go lower, I personally find the OOF grass distracting (totally personal choice). I really like the pose/interaction you captured. Seems as if the mom is teaching her foal about the birds. Also looks like she's got another one in her belly. Just for another option, I might've gone with more of a pano crop taking out some of the sky and sacrificing the virtual feet.
Steve