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A Doe Day
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A Doe Day

by Peter Cross

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 28, 201357 views5 comments
I was out early this am at the local nature area to check on the deer. I'm getting pretty attached to them. Today turned out to be mostly doe and fawn day which is okay with me. This is a young doe which walked over from a small group to check me out. Then just walked back to her group. Guess I satisfied her that I was okay. So, here's a nice portrait from a very cooperative doe which I only warmed up. Nothing else done except sharpening. I played with adding some exposure but all that mostly did was make the light grassy area brighter which was not good. Comments and critiques are welcomed.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with 70-200mm f/4L with 1.4 TC = 280mm
1/320th at f/5.6 and ISO 1250
tripod

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on October 28, 2013 at 11:56 PM
Nice portrait Peter :smile: I like the BG except for the dark line over her rump. Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on October 29, 2013 at 5:38 AM
Nice portrait of this doe. I like the bit of rim light on the ear edges in particular. That dark item over the rump is distracting thought.
Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Jones on October 29, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Peter, how did you get this little doe into your studio? :wink: Really, it looks just like the kind of light you would want to flatter a young lady. (Well, maybe a bit of a catch-light from a weak flash burst on at least one eye would be a nice addition.) I see others mentioned that somewhat dark streak on the left as being distracting. Portrait photographers are famous for heavily retouching photos, but some nature photogs won't do that. In fact, cloning can disqualify an image from some contests and publications. If you don't like that kind of alteration, there is a "legit" way to take care of the little "imperfection." a vertical crop (also taking some off the top) will make this into the perfect portrait without altering reality.

P.S. Were you thinking of the old deer management technique that used to cause so many problems when you gave it this title? I remember the book Doe Day in college, that taught us the value of more controllable and scientific ways to manage deer populations.
Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 29, 2013 at 11:29 AM
She looks good! I like Wayne's observations and agree a vertical portrait might be the best choice.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on October 29, 2013 at 3:12 PM
Peter, In addition to what has already been said; you could brighten up the doe only if you wish to retain the BG as is by selecting the subject carefully.
Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments