Bull Elk 7x6 - RMNP

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 19, 2010144 views8 comments

This is my first post to the Fauna forum as I just signed up and I would appreciate to hear what you all have to say about this shot and the fact I clipped the virtual legs a bit. It doesn't bother me because he looks so huge with a wide spread, but I've had some mixed reviews.

D300, 500mm f4 + 1.4tc @ f5.6, 1/320, ISO 400, tripod, overcast skies

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by mark cillo on January 19, 2010 at 10:33 PM

I have no problems with the legs since they disappear from sight within the frame. Its fun to see these huge bulls at RM. Nice work.

Registered on July 27, 2008, 143 Posts, 1483 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on January 19, 2010 at 10:43 PM

It does need a little more room. Should be fairly easy to add a little canvas to the lower edge. The Bull itself is very well shot. He appears to be about ready to bugle.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Cordes on January 19, 2010 at 10:43 PM

I like the image a lot, but agree that the virtual legs should be considered. The rack is so big I don't think adding space on the bottom would detract from the impact. It would make the elk look more natural.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 451 Posts, 3366 Comments

Comment posted by kiran khanzode on January 19, 2010 at 11:36 PM

That is a huge rack...nicely done. Legs are not a problem for me.

Registered on February 21, 2009, 83 Posts, 428 Comments

Comment posted by JACK NEAL on January 20, 2010 at 12:07 AM

Good shot! If you add a little to the bottom, how about just a small amount to the right side to ballance everything. Or not!! good shot as is.

Registered on September 26, 2009, 131 Posts, 554 Comments

Comment posted by István Molnár on January 20, 2010 at 1:42 AM

Cool shot.

Registered on January 7, 2010, 114 Posts, 704 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on January 20, 2010 at 7:09 AM

Welcome to NPN Jared! Good first post! I do agree just a tad more room on the bottom would improve the image but it's still a very nice image. Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on January 21, 2010 at 9:28 AM

HI Jared,

Welcome to NPN and to the Fauna Gallery in particular. I hope this is only the first of many image posts (and, of course, comments on the images of others!) you contribute. You've started with a very good first post - makes me look forward to your next one!

I would describe the leg issue here as only a minor problem. If you were so inclined it wouldn't be much of a problem to add a little canvas or, if you own Photoshop CS4, re-position the elk enough to satisfy any complaints about the virtual legs. Legs aside, I like the pose and how the elk seems very focused on something outside the frame. If the image were mine (and if this is a crop and you have the room to work with) I'd be tempted to move the elk just a tad to the left, and thus open up a little more room to the right (and pull the elk a little more out of centre). Personal preference thing! To me the biggest "problem" with this image is something totally out of your control - i.e., very uninspiring light. While I think the image could be improved slightly with some selective brightening on the elk (only), ultimately the light just wasn't helping you out here!

Cheers - looking forward to future contributions from you...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments