While out birding Saturday morning this ermine (winter coated Short-tailed Weasel) made a surprise appearance. This is an area I've frequented often and the first time I see one of these there. It was gracious enough to hang around for 3-4 photos, and this one was the most presentable. I wish it would have stood either completely in the shade, or in the sun. Some work was done on the face/neck to brighten it up - and some cleaning-up was done on the snow to remove the worst of the forest litter and to tone down the brightest spots,
I think this is a beautiful shot. Great handling of the white on white. I think you were right in cleaning up the clutter. I think you could do even more.
Hi Daniel,
As Van said, very well handled! Maybe a little toning down of the rear foot and some clean up................don't want to do to much IMO as the Ermine is so pure white........he might get lost in the snow and the dirt specs seem to make him stand out more.
Roman
Nicely captured image Dan. It's too bad that we didn't see any yesterday. Did you use any Fill flash on this image? The animal looks to have a little "steel eye".
Hey Stephen, thanks. No fill used here, I guess all the bright snow around created a big reflection in the eye. Steel-eye would have been centered on the pupil.
It is so rare even to to see a fleeting glance of these guys. I have lived here for 20 years and just saw one this past winter by accident. He was there for 3 seconds and then scooted. Never even got the lens to my eye. You did well. The litter does not bother me in the least, it's where he lives! Thanks for posting your adjustments information. The post is fine and should sell if you wanted too.