Wild Dog Play

[Ken Watkins]

Another from our sighting in Savute Marsh, Chobe National Park, Botswana, 7th January 2011.

It was difficult to post something near to the original, this is the best I can do. The water droplet over the eye is deliberately left in place.

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 is hand-held from open game-viewing vehicle.

F6.3, ISO 1600, 1/1000, EV +0.33

[Morkel Erasmus]

I like this one Ken - the water droplets in front of the face set it apart from what would have been "everyone's shot"...most would have binned this and looked for one with a clear eye. This accentuates the playful moment.

I might be tempted to add a little bit of LCE (local contrast enhancement) here...say USM @ 20% @ 10px to add a bit of "pop"

[Robert Amoruso]

Interesting to see this one considering I just gave my dogs baths this week.

I like all the water drops but not liking the one at the eye, at least for my tastes. I think Morkel had a good suggestion on the LCE.

[Hilary Hann]

I have to agree with Robert about the water droplets, I love them all except the one in front of the eye and the reason why that one irritates is because I find myself trying to brush it away all the time. Reflex action I suppose, but I understand why you are keeping it there.

I would be interested to see the difference Morkel's suggestion makes on the dog as it does look a little flat to me. Notwithstanding the lack of contrast, the action and composition is nice.

[Ken Watkins]

By public demand I have removed the "offending" water droplets, and performed LCE using the method recommended in Luminous Landscape. Seems that the JPEG conversion works better this morning.

Probably should have taken the yellows down a bit, cerainly not one for my bin.

[subramanya_ck]

Spectacular Ken. Re-post looks awesome

[Rachel Hollander]

Ken - I prefer the repost. Like Hilary I found myself wanting to brush the droplet away from the eye.

TFS,
Rachel

[Todd Frost]

Well done Ken. As mentioned the water splash add to this image. Very nice comp and sharpness looks good. Nice eye contact, a bit of eye doctor work will enhance this even more. Prefer the repost with the water drop removal and contrast adj.
TFS
Todd

[Ken Watkins]

Subramanya, Rachel & Todd.

Thanks for your comments.

Is it time to confess to leaving the water drop in delibarately, just to see what the comments were made?

[DanWalters]

Repost looks great! Really like the eyes and the drops of water around the face.