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Thread: A Headshot for Al

  1. #1
    Ken Watkins
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    Default A Headshot for Al

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    I was going to post another Cheetah, but the Dikdik thread inspired me to go back to some old shots.

    Taken on Dikdik drive Etosha National Park, Namibia, 6th September 2008

    Around 75% crop, slight sharpen.

    EOS 1D MkIII

    500mm F4 IS hand held from vehicle

    F6.3, ISO 640, 1/500

  2. #2
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Another cute image posted, are we getting soft here?:D

    Might go for a tighter crop Ken, love the eye and good example showing the scent gland below the eye. FYI Al, the black spot below the inside corner of each eye contains a preorbital gland that produces a dark sticky secretion. Dik-diks insert grass stems and twigs into the gland to scent-mark their territories.

    If you do try a tighter crop would add a fraction more USM too.

    TFS
    Steve;)
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

  3. #3
    Ken Watkins
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    are we getting soft here?:D

    Steve;)

    Apparently it looks pretty sharp to me.:D

    I have seen them poking sticks in the gland, it looks quite painful.

    Most African animals can look cute but not many do it as well as the small antelopes.

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Ken - I like this image and agree that the eye makes it. Our guide in Kenya and Tanzania referred to the Dik Dik as hors d'oeuvres for the big cats but I do think they are cute.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Beautiful soft light highlighting the eye, and coat texture. Maybe a bit off the top...maybe. Nicely done.

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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    Lovely portrait here Ken, agree with Steve for just a touch more selective USM. And I know you and I use the same cal monitor ;). .....................plus now hitting 52, I'm even using my reading glasses!!:eek: :p


  7. #7
    Alfred Forns
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    Big Thanks Ken That is one cute animal !!! .. wish they could move up the food chain some !!!

    Had no idea about the gland !! Neat !!

  8. #8
    DanWalters
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    Very nice! Love the large eyes. Maybe just a little off the top.

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    Ken, thanks for posting this. The head shot certainly shows the really cute details. I was going to try thi son mine, but the little guy stayed in the open about 30 seconds before he ran away. Fortunately I got a shot, but not enough time to get various presentations. Your image is very well done with nice sharpness and good BG. I wonder what it would look like if you reduced the brightness a tad?

  10. #10
    Ken Watkins
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    Rachel,

    I think it likely that your guide gave you a bit of spin, Dikdik are much to small and quick for big cats, far more likely to be Leopard, Wild Dog and Eagles amongst others.

    Ed,
    You were lucky to see one and get a good image. We have seen them nearly every time we have driven Dikdik drive, but it is densely wooded and they do not come into the open regularly, so photo opportunities can be limited. The only other place I have seen them is in Selous Tanzania. Another good reason for getting a private vehicle as most visitors are not generally interested in the little things:eek:

    Here is a repost which hopefully addresses every suggestion it certainly looks sharper to me.

    PS I will post a full body, unfortunately looking down later in the week
    Last edited by Ken Watkins; 06-08-2010 at 11:19 PM. Reason: Forgot something

  11. #11
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    The image is far better with the tweaks Ken, has a bit more depth, but was thinking more of a 'portrait' crop rather than a square.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Ken,
    This is a cute fellow. The repost is better. I agree with Steve that a portrait orientation would have been better. Thanks for sharing.

    Cheers,
    Sabyasachi

  13. #13
    Ken Watkins
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    OK here is a "portrait"

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    2nd repost is just too good , excellent image Ken , BTW I just came back home after meeting OLD man of Bandhavgarh
    TFS

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    Hi Ken, the repost is excellent...you have done well at creating a strong image from a subject that is easy to overlook, never mind photograph well. Loved the eye, the textures, the horns and ear positions, and the BG.
    TFS
    Grant

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    Ken, both re posts are excellent. I personally like the first re post as it is a bit more open. A matter of taste of course. I agree the little guys are just as interesting as the Big 5.

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