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Thread: Hippo emerging

  1. #1
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default Hippo emerging

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    Trying to catch up on processing some images but time is not on my side.

    This was taken from a boat on the Okavango Delta during my recent trip to Botswana. I was lying flat on the floor of the boat with the lens resting over the side for the lowest possible angle.

    I hoped at least one of the hippos would give me a yawn or a nice display but they just came up...flicked ears...checked us out...went down...over and over again.

    This one had just emerged from the water. Full frame side-to-side with a slight crop from top and bottom.

    What do you think about the 'leveling'? The lines in the BG can make the image look skew, but I used the water level in front of the hippo for a horizon gauge...:2

    Techs:
    Canon 7D with 300mm 2.8 L IS USM + 2.0x TC-III (600mm)
    f7.1 @ 1/800 SS @ ISO-400
    Exp +0.3
    Morkel Erasmus

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    BPN Viewer Steve Canuel's Avatar
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    I think he saw you. Leveling looks good to my eye. Often have the same issues with horizons due to slopes and hills. Image looks a little on the cool side to me (reflected skies and morning shooting maybe?)

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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    Good POV and eye contact.
    Levels look OK here Morkel, taking it off the hippo was the way to go.
    Have just reduced the blue in the hippo here, making it pop a little more, as the blue reflection on it was a little strong, what do you think?
    TFS


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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Morkel, really love this one, the angle and look really works very well, a cracking little image. The 300 with the MKIII seems to be a great combination can't wait for Nov.

    Certainly your OP is very blue and lacks that sparkle, Marc's repost address it a little, but believe me, a few little tweaks in Colour balance, Selective colour, there is a lot in there crying to come out, with a nice vibrant punch.

    Let me know if you feel it might be helpful as I can mail or repost.

    Nice one Morkel.

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

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Thanks for the comments guys...Marc I like your repost...I am normally quick to get rid of unnecessary blue hues in an image, and I guess in this case it reminded me of the clarity of the air and water in the Delta.

    Steve - I am open to learn and probably did not spend as much time on this images as I could have, so you are welcome to post a suggested repost as well
    Morkel Erasmus

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Morkel, as always I will put a caveat in, that is is always subjective, how we might interpret, how we see it on our screens, but it is always, food for though and if it helps in direction, then great.

    I have to say, at home on the whopper it looks good, on the laptop not calibrated, it looks a little OTT, welcome your thoughts.

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

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    I think the repost gives it a touch more pop and accentuates the light. I know you didnt get your yawn Morkel but you caught a nice image here. 300 and 2x mark III looks like a sweet combo.

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    Really nice image mate..IQ looks good and I like Marcs repost for color...Very Nice

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Thanks Jamie and Dumay, and Steve for your repost. I like what you've done, actually shows how 'cold' my white balance was......mind sharing exact steps? I assume selective colour, but settings so we all can benefit and learn?
    Morkel Erasmus

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Morkel - this is great. Excellent detail, dof and the pov makes the shot. Steve's repost improves an already great image.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Morkel am now away again till at least a week Tuesday, but will try to expand.

    As a rule I don't keep anything and just do any alterations/tweaks by what 'I think', if that makes sense.:2 In doing so and flattening the file I have no 'exact' details, however, from memory...

    Color Efex Pro to remove colour cast
    Colour balance to enhance Midtones Cyan/Blue sliders
    Selective colour Red & Black channel to give the Hippo more life
    Brightness 4%
    Once I had thought it looked about right, well to me I then apply a colour programme which sadly I can't share, as it is my own recipe.
    Cloned out a few marks I thought would help in the BKG area
    Finally there was a small amount of USM applied to the eye & cheek area to make the nice detail come through

    In all honesty a lot of the above I feel would not be applicable, all the info & colour is all there and the majority could be achieved through the RAW conversion.

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

  12. #12
    DanWalters
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    Like the color in the repost. Great low angle and I like that eye.

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    Lovely image Morkel... love Steves repost!

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    I didnt even see Steve's when I first posted...His is tops. Great work Steve!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Peter & Dumay, credit goes to Morkel in getting the shot, all I have tried to do is illustrate what a good image this is and I am sure with a little rework Morkel will achieve the result this image warrants.

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

  16. #16
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Thank you everyone. Steve I have reworked it and came to a very similar result than what you posted. Thanks again
    Morkel Erasmus

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    Stunning image, very well captured and also like steves repost

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