The Rack

[Kurt Bowman]

I took this shot over last years rut and keep coming back to it. I (obviously) took this right at sunrise and the sun was just peeking over the top of the mountain behind me (which is why I have a light band at the top of the frame). I LOVE the pose on him, but wonder how much others think the lack of light hurts this? I also keep going back and forth on whether or not to clone out the bright band of light at the top, but for me it tells the story of sunrise approaching. Would love to know what everyone thinks.

1D MIV
500mm f/4
1/250 at f/6.3
ISO 2000

[Steve Canuel]

Great spread of tines across the top on this one Kurt. A browser crop to remove the light band up top gives this one a completely different feel, a bit colder and more indicative of a shaded valley. I personally like the warm, light band and think it portrays what you describe you wanted quite nicely. I'd only sharpen the eyes and ears just a touch.

[Ofer Levy]

I like this a lot! Would leave the bright top but would remove the dark area at the BG which I find distracting.

[Ken Watkins]

Great suggestions here, this is great.

Ok there may be some very minor technical faults but they should not detract from the overwhelming power of this image.

[Hilary Hann]

This is a magnificent display of intimidation by the bull. I'm not sure how I feel about the light band at the top, it does pull my eyes away from the animal somewhat, but it also adds to the atmosphere. I'm sure someone will suggest opening up the shadows under the chin! (well they always do to me ) and I agree that the eyes could be sharpened slightly more. Really nice image.

[Robert Amoruso]

Kurt,

I like the light band at top and would leave it. I agree with Ofer on the dark mass, for me more a distraction then the light band. And Hilary I will say it, open up shadows on the underside of the neck.

The powerful pose really makes this an exceptional image Kurt, all the rest is minor stuff.

[DanWalters]

The head angle really emphasizes the rack, and I really like the eyes.

[Harshad Barve]

This is simply awesome image man
TFS

[Rachel Hollander]

Kurt - the light band doesn't bother me as I think it conveys the time of day well. Nice image of an impressive bull.

TFS,
Rachel

[Todd Frost]

Very nice image of a good bull Kurt. I like it as presented with the additional sharpening mentioned. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[Morkel Erasmus]

love this one Kurt! great symmetry in his pose, the light band works as mentioned, and I would open the shadow detail some more.

I'm not too concerned about the dark patch behind the antlers - they have my full attention! :)

[Brendan Dozier]

That is a great image, it's refreshingly a-typical of some of the standard shots you see. Really works well as a composition. Agree about removing the dark area in BG, behind the horns. Nice job!