Big Boy

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 23, 2012185 views6 comments

I call this guy Big Boy for obvious reasons. This image was taken a few days ago at the Fort Worth Nature Reserve. I first photographed Big Boy last year (see previous post from my gallery). Big Boy hasn't changed much from last year. His rack is very similar in size and configuration to the one he had in 2011.

I was in a makeshift camo blind when Big Boy stepped out of the thick brush. The image has some stray branches as the habitat is very thick in spots. I did notice that it looks like he incurred an eye injury during the past year as his left eye looks cloudy. One more thing. There happened to be a bee flying right in front of his neck when I took the shot. Interesting little addition. Critiques and comments welcome.

Canon 7D
Canon 100-400 @ 25 yards
f6.3
1/80 s
ISO 1250

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on November 23, 2012 at 1:51 PM

Great eye contact, sharpness and detail.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on November 23, 2012 at 4:13 PM

I like how the OOF branches frame and sharpen the animal. I like that he is everywhere sharp and stands out well against the camouflaging BG. This old boy looks like he has been up the river and over the mountain, with his bum eye and torn ear. I wouldn't want to mess with him!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 23, 2012 at 5:19 PM

Great buck, Jerry. I noticed the "spot" on the neck but did not recognize it as a bee until reading your narrative. I like the depth of field attained from nose to ears and really like the personality detail of his split right ear. The hanging tendrils of branches/vine serve to add interest and depth, in my opinion. Neat. Only tweak I can suggest is to apply a bit of post processing to the flare edge of his right (viewer left) antler, perhaps reinstating some contrast and/or sharpening.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on November 23, 2012 at 10:40 PM

Good one, Jerry. You caught him just right. Nice comp and exposure. I don't mind the various twigs, etc. None really impact the view of the buck and they, in fact, reflect real world conditions. Like what looks like bark shavings on its antler which I assume came from polishing the tines. He also has damage to his right ear which I have found, at least with black-tails, to be fairly common with the larger bucks. A nice one to hang on your trophy wall.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Oscar Dewhurst on November 24, 2012 at 6:16 AM

Great portrait Jerry

Oscar

Registered on August 6, 2009, 85 Posts, 502 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Olsen on November 25, 2012 at 2:49 PM

Excellent portrait of this nice buck. I like how he's camouflaged in the surroundings yet is tack sharp in the photo.
It's interesting how close the antler tips come together.

Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments