Coyote repost

[Don Riley]

This is the same coyote but a different, much sharper shot. Taken just outside of West Yellowstone. Cropped from the bottom left in PS. Adjustments and sharpening in LR3.



EOS 40D
600mm
1/1500 sec
f/5.6
ISO 200
Handheld with beanbag

[Robert Amoruso]

Hi Don,

Nice image with him in the environment. No strong shadows on the face is a plus and the inquisitve look helps the viewer to become engaged with the image - asking what is he looking at.

I tried a few things for you consideration.

I cropped off some of the top as I did not feel it was helping to strengthen the presence of the coyote in the image. I used a reverse s-curve to open up the shadows and tame highlights some and then further opened up the shadows suing Shadow/Highlights in PSCS3.

I did not go overboard with the shadows as you still want them but revealing some of that detail on the back helps to balance the image better tonality-wise. I also sharpened with USM twice at 125/0.2/0.

[Steve Kaluski]

The re post works very well Robert and brings out a lot of hidden detail, sadly missing in the original. This is not a criticism, but rather, a comment that we can all learn from others knowledge, skills and advice ;)

I used a reverse s-curve to open up the shadows

Robert can you please expand on how you created it please. :)

Thanks
Steve

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Don

The hard light from the left made it difficult here and I know there is not much chance for going after a better sun angle !! I like the pose and sharp face !!

Robert I don't think the reverse curve is working here, the fur has taken a strange muddled look and very contrasty. It can be a good tool at times but find it working better with lighter subjects.

Steve in PS you have some curve pre sets and the lower the contrast will give you a reverse type curve. Can be a saver at times, but do need to find the right image. Robert is generally very good finding them.

[Steve Kaluski]

Robert is generally very good finding them.

Can I assume Al, Robert likes 'Curves'?:D
Steve

[Robert Amoruso]

Hi Don

The hard light from the left made it difficult here and I know there is not much chance for going after a better sun angle !! I like the pose and sharp face !!

Robert I don't think the reverse curve is working here, the fur has taken a strange muddled look and very contrasty. It can be a good tool at times but find it working better with lighter subjects.

Steve in PS you have some curve pre sets and the lower the contrast will give you a reverse type curve. Can be a saver at times, but do need to find the right image. Robert is generally very good finding them.

I might look better on the original 16-bit TIFF file. Sometimes there is just not enough bits in the low-res JPGs for it to look good.