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Thread: Timber Rattlesnake---wild

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    Default Timber Rattlesnake---wild

    While birding out in Westfield, Massachusetts, two friends and I came across (and nearly stepped on) this Timber Rattlesnake. It was the first time I'd seen one after birding in Massachusetts for many years in appropriate habitat. They are hard to find in the northeast for sure.

    Canon EOS 7D
    Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS

    1/125
    f/6.3
    400 mm
    ISO 400

    Name:  Timber Rattlesnake.jpg
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    I like this image very much. I hoped for more DOF though. Also, looks like some flare in the top left. On my monitor (at work) it has a green color cast. I like the angle, sharpness and most of all, placement of the rattle!!

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    I agree with Colin on the flare on the top left - I would try to tone that down. I do like the all green color - shows how hard he is to see in his environment. Fantastic placement of rattles. I like the DOF - just the head in focus. I'm surprised you could concentrate on taking the photo being so close to him.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Hi Ryan, just shows how well camouflaged these guys are. I like the low POV and a credit to you in achieving what you have here.

    Looking at the image, yes the highlight BLHC is slight distracting and you can either address this, or simply crop it. However, what i might suggest is some additional Curves applied just to give it a bit more definition and then apply some more USM to the head to bring out more detail.

    I have done this quickly, but hopefully it illustrates my thoughts. Cropping is purely personal so I will leave that with you, but if you are going pano then the height should be 512px based on your original width, but no hard and fast rule.

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

  5. Thanks Ryan Schain thanked for this post
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    Thanks all. I will rework it a bit with your suggestions in mind!

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    A beautiful animal. This species is not doing well in the northeast for sure and in MA in particular. It's an honor to get to see one there.

    I love the eye and the composition but the glare in the top left is definitely distracting. I like the repost with the curves and sharpening.

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    BPN Viewer Steve Canuel's Avatar
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    Great look at that eye and I like the way the rattle is pointing in the same direction as the head. Nice eerie glow to the eye too.

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    Great image! That expression is amazing. I prefer the original crop as it gives a better idea of the snake's bulk IMO. Extra sharpening does improve it. Really like the greenish cast, gives a "foresty" feel to it. Pity the rattle is OOf, but the choice eye/rattle was clear!

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Nice 'almost-macro' here...I can imagine these guys are hard to spot among the fallen leaves on the forest floor. It's also interesting that they are found in desert and forest habitats - very adaptable it seems.

    I like the original crop best for my tastes, and might tone down the green but not take it out entirely
    Morkel Erasmus

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