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I otter take a nap...WC 585
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I otter take a nap...WC 585

by Jim Lockhart

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted May 22, 2013218 views3 comments
I knew my shots of sleeping animals from the Beardsly Zoo would come in handy! This is a North American River Otter, found in all states and US territories. Fun facts: the pelt is waterproof and can be used to regulate body temperature; a baby otter is called a cub. Taken with my Canon SX30, ISO 200, f/5.8, 1/400, zoom equivalency 815mm, handheld. In PSE I sharpened it and toned down the highlights; the cement was too bright. ISO was higher than needed; got to recheck after each shot. Lost some detail in upper left corner, but that may serve to draw more attention to the face. Comments and suggestions always welcome and thanks for viewing.

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by Barbara Graham on May 22, 2013 at 7:45 PM
I love this and have never seen an image of an otter sleeping like this, and so close up. Wonderful detail on the face. I feel like I can touch his/her nose (not that I would, of course). :)
Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on May 23, 2013 at 7:59 PM
I really like the close-up POV you have of this napping otter. I've never seen one this close before. Interesting to see the detailed texture of his nose and his fur. It's good you toned down the cement but it still feels too dominant to me. I would suggest a crop up from the bottom to where the wall turns to a flatter surface. Less distracting but would also make the wall look less like a wall and more like part of a natural environment. This theme is going to start making ME sleepy. . .maybe I otter take a nap. :biggrin: Creative title, Jim.
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Buck Ward on May 25, 2013 at 9:01 PM
I see otters in the wild from time to time. Always try to pop off a shot or two if I can, but they're shy and quick. Never have gotten one this up-close-and personal. Nice.
Registered on December 8, 2003, 96 Posts, 1917 Comments