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Thread: Oh, That Looks Good!

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    Default Oh, That Looks Good!

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Nikon D300 w/80-400mm VR lens @ 400mm, hand held
    ISO Equivalent 640
    1/200 sec @ f/7.1
    Matrix Metering + 0.33
    PP PS CS5: levels and curves, minor crop; cloned out UL minor annoying twig, minor reds desaturation; mild sharpening; mild initial noise reduction w/Topaz DeNoise v4

    This Galapagos Islands land iguana was about to enjoy some luscious vegetation when this image was captured. There are distracting elements to the right of the iguana, and there is part of a twig on his face. But the twig shows that this character is not a neat eater, and I'm reluctant to remove too much of the environment in which the iguana lives.

    What do you think?

    Norm

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    Robert Amoruso
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    Having not been to this location, I do not know if flash can be used but given the very strong light, exposing to keep the highlights in check and using the flash to illuminate the iguana would have been a good strategy here. That also would have lessened the BG distractions by decreasing the ambient light exposure. Even with a reverse s-curve, the blown highlights detract from an interesting activity.

    I like that big read tongue and your timing of when to press the shutter just before the jaw come down and engulfs the leaf.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Amoruso View Post
    Having not been to this location, I do not know if flash can be used but given the very strong light, exposing to keep the highlights in check and using the flash to illuminate the iguana would have been a good strategy here. That also would have lessened the BG distractions by decreasing the ambient light exposure. Even with a reverse s-curve, the blown highlights detract from an interesting activity.

    I like that big read tongue and your timing of when to press the shutter just before the jaw come down and engulfs the leaf.
    Bob:

    The blown highlights I see are primarily at the edges of the leaves. That's not too bad, considering how bright and brilliant the sun is there. But you are right that I could have exposed better to preserve detail in those areas and will try to do so in the future.

    As for flash, that is prohibited in the Galapagos Islands.

    Thanks for your comments!

    Norm

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    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Kes View Post
    It looks like you did best under the given circumstances. Re: No flash: how do you explain the catch lights ? Amazing still that with all that light you are only at 1/200.
    Is it possible to post the original to see where you came from ?
    Hi Peter, and thanks for your comments.

    But as I've already said, no flash was used or could be used in the Galapagos Islands. Any catch lights are therefore natural catch lights.

    Norm
    Last edited by Norm Dulak; 09-20-2010 at 11:31 AM.

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    I am thinking that the subject had to be in the shade for such a slow shutter speed at ISO 640. I have no explanation for the mega BKGR noise and the quasi-HDR/grunge look.

    Norm, you missed Peter's request to see the original capture.
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    Sorry, but I couldn't post the original file because I haven't been able to locate it.

    Thanks for most of your comments, although I think it is unfortunate that anyone has to refer to anyone else's posting as having a "grunge look". That's just another manifestation of what has been happening lately at BPN IMO.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Norm Dulak View Post
    Sorry, but I couldn't post the original file because I haven't been able to locate it. Thanks for most of your comments, although I think it is unfortunate that anyone has to refer to anyone else's posting as having a "grunge look". That's just another manifestation of what has been happening lately at BPN IMO.
    As I said in a similar post, Norm, You did not understand my use of the term and chose to see it as derogatory. That was not at all my intention. The "grunge" look, very much in style at the moment refers to using HDR followed by a variety of filters to give an image a sort of ancient somewhat grungy look. Click here to see both an example of the style and use of the word "grunge."

    I am confused when you say "a further example" as there have not been any examples given, just opinions and innuendos. And after posting a comment that obviously would get folks attention, Chris has disappeared at least for now.

    I will always give my honest opinion as gently as possible. Some folks do not like that and would prefer to hear "Big Congrats" even when an image (such as your iguana) has serious problems. Perhaps now that you better understand the use of the word "grunge" you might consider posting the original image as requested so that I and others might attempt to help you."
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