-10˚F, Lamar Valley, YNP

[Andrew Merwin]

Here you go Steve; a cow elk in the snow. I shot this about 30 min. after the sun cleared the surrounding mountains.

mark iv, iso 800, f/5.6, 1.33 ev, 100-400@400, bean bag, slight crop for composition.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Andrew, initial thoughts are that it all looks very bright, but then am viewing on the laptop. If I am correct, then I would look at reducing the exposure on the BKG to bring out more detail, drop some of the blue cast, even a hint of Red? I might also drop some exposure on the body of the elk too. Finally add some Levels & Curves.

Always try to meter off the snow close to the subject as the metering system can be fooled easily in these conditions.

Not sure if the attached helps or hinders.

TFS
Steve

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks Steve. I will implement your suggestions on the RAW file to see how they work. This was a very bright scene when I shot it. I think the snow is too gray on the reworked image.

[Steve Kaluski]

Andrew if you are going to revisit the RAW the there might be another route to explore, will let you know.

Steve

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Andrew, nice winter YNP scene with good light on the elk. I like that we can see how deep the snow is. I agree that the snow looks a little bright in spots, particularly behind the head but Steve's repost does look a little gray.

TFS,
Rachel

[Sid Garige]

Nice image Andrew. Like the way you showed the snow. Portrays the harsh winter conditions very well.

[Robert Amoruso]

I like Steve's repost.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Nice moment here Andrew...good job in showing how thick the snow is!
Steve's repost looks good ito brightness to me...

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks everyone for your comments & suggestions. I appreciate your views.

[D. Robert Franz]

Hmmm warm morning the the Lamar. Great light, I do prefer the repost... I'd probably clone out the branches on the bottom of the frame. Comp is fine.

[Andrew Merwin]

Thanks again everyone. I will revisit the RAW file to try the various suggestions.