Canon 40D
Sigma 50 - 500
161mm
1/200"
F5.6
ISO 800
EC 0.0
auto white balance
68 a.m.
tripod
well, two shots is all I have for landscapes, so sorry, its back to deer.....
The day I took this, I was following a family of a doe, twin fawns, and a buck! I was so excited. Unfortunately, this is the only photo I got that was decently sharp and eye contact. I do have a darling photo of the twins with nuzzling up to the buck, but the buck has a strange angle to his neck. :( so its back to this one.
I think I prefer less of a portrait and more habitat for fawns, but what do you think? I hope to be able to go back out tomorrow morning, so would appreciate any and all suggestions....
Thanks!
Last edited by Cheryl Flory; 07-14-2009 at 08:02 AM.
Reason: include more info
Hi Cheryl - Really tack sharp which sort of amazed me given the 1/200 sec. Congrats on getting so amazingly close to this critter, takes a lot of patience. I also like the quality of the light. Lots to like here.
I agree about the importance of deciding whether this is portrait or deer in habitat image. I think if we think of this as a portrait, then the grass stems detract from the deer's face, and I might want the deer looking my way more.
I must admit to being conflicted by white-tail images as these guys are regular visitors to my gardens - too regular.
Cheers
Gail
Gail, yes, I agree that the grass stems detract from a "formal portrait", that's why I included them in the title---pretending that I intended them to be there. :D
If deer visited my garden, they would quickly lose any and all "cuteness" factor!! oh yea!
Cheryl, of course if you have been reading any of my posts I am big on accepting habitat as art. A necessary part of the art. (Note to self: do you know what your talking about???)
I think the title of the photo says it all. Its so darn prickly and allergic it makes me feel like I might sneeze looking at it. The fawn and its setting are mostly razor sharp, the eye is incredible, and the grasses (Agrostis stolonifera and a Poa of some kind) are also sharp which I have to say, is a major feat. The asters (They look like A. conspicuus but they cant be, this was Michigan, right?) are all regular sized which means this little fella (or gal) was about knee high. I confess, I am biased in favor of including habitat as a setting for wildlife photography. Not that I am a big expert. And while I like blurred backgrounds because the focus is then placed completely on the animal alone in space, a blurred background doesnt add the spice of life for me. In this instance, the grasses dont take away, they add a lot. Excellent photograph!!
Good eye contact, fine detail and the open mouth is a plus. I might try noise reduction on the background. Both portrait and habitat shot have their charm, but since you have lots of grass I probably try habitat shot for this location.
Like this a lot as presented - call it what you want - My philosophy is simple - I either like it or I don't.
Tack sharp - Good HA and eye contact - grasses dont bother me here.
Good show :)
Hi Cheryl, I also like the grasses. (Except for that little bit poking out of his Right ear!) I like the expression on the little guy's face and the title fits like a glove.
As Thanaboon has already mentioned, maybe a NR on the background?
Can't wait to see tomorrows!
thank you, everyone for your comments. they really do help me learn.
Katherine, yes, this fawn was about knee high-- below is a pic of behavior more typical of these two. And why I don't have more pics of them in action.
This was right after sunrise (which accounts for the red tint. I know I could remove it, but that was the color of the sunrise that morning.) I would need a much much faster lens than I have for these two, especially that early in the morning! lol
I think the concensus is you did very well. I wish I was more confident and practiced in making the changes people recommend here. I guess that comes with time. Wonderful shot of them scattering on the beach there too. Damned cute little critters, aren't they. Love the light but the hed shot above is a winner IMHO.
Hi Cheryl I like it a lot and your doing great with these guys !!!!
Having the clear eye and face does it for me, a couple little twigs here or there are no big deal. Would go for best available tight or environment ... go with the flow !!! Looking forward to the next one !!!
Thanks, Al. will see what tomorrow brings. last time I came home with ZERO deer pics! :(
this pic, I cropped the left side. that is all. I would have liked more habitat for a "habitat image". but this was all I got. I sent one of my "deer in habitat" images to my dad. his response: "kind of nice. how about cropping out the deer?" lol. sheesh.
Hey, That Tickles!
8 a.m.
