Coyote Portrait

I think the clipped ear is slightly unfortunate but probably falls into the nit category. The rest of the image is really strong and more than makes up for it. I love the snow between the eyes and the falling snow against the soft background. The expression on the coyote's face is priceless.

I agree with Clinton's comment.
The expression is really strong, the sharpness is awesome, snow brings a lot to this picture.
We could regret the clipped ear, but it would bring the nose very low in the picture. So sincerely it does not matter for me.
You have an awesome photograph. One I would have really loved to do

Hi Dan,
This is a great coyote shot. I would like to see all of the face and ears if you can, but that is a small thing in this great picture.

This is a wonderful close-up portrait Dan, the fur detail and snow are what puts this image over the top for me. The whole ear visible would be a slight plus though.

Ken Archer

Superb image Dan, love the eyes and the snow on his face! The ear is unfortunate indeed, I might crop off a sliver more so it seems more deliberate.

Hi Dan,

OK, I'll be totally honest - I really like the image but the cut-off ear does detract for me. I think it's because so little is cut off - I think you either need the whole ear or, believe it or not, cut a little more off. To my eye, slight clips like this look more like an error than if more of the body part is cut off.

Otherwise - excellent shot! Love the snow (good thing, given where I live ), image detail is very good, and I like how the eyes are fully visible yet not looking directly at you. If the image were mine I'd experiment with a very slight and selective bump in contrast (primarily in the outer portions of the cheek and the forehead).

Cheers...thanks for sharing this great shot!

Brad

I like it a lot and don't mind the ear. The expression, the eyes, the sharp nose, the snow all make it a great image.

I agree w/ Brad. It is better if it looks as an intentional crop then if it looks like a clipped image. This is a beautiful close-up and stare and a tighter crop would put this over the top.

I suppose I would prefer the whole of the ear to be in shot but even so this is a very strong image as posted. Love the inquisitive expression and the cold atmosphere captured in the image. Graham

Love the tight crop and the snow on the coyotes face. Great detail as well.

Great shot, didn't really notice the ear crop until I read your post. Eyes, nose and snow make this shot! Thanks for sharing.

Everything feels right except for that clipped ear! Still, most non-photographers would probably never notice. They will be mesmerized by the detail!

Excellent shot, wonderful close up with the snow. The ear does not bother me so much as the rest of the image really pops, way to go.