Affectionate Squirrels

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 30, 2013122 views6 comments

A few weeks ago I posted a shot of this pair of squirrels. I heard squirrel noises in my backyard, went to investigate and discovered these two. I see many squirrels every day in my highly treed yard, but I have never witnessed a pair doing whatever these two happen to be doing so up close and personal! In my previous shot, both squirrels had their eyes wide open looking in my direction. In this one, the guy receiving the attention has his (or her) eyes closed in seemingly utter pleasure. The lighting was not good in that it was the end of the day and they were in the shade.

Shot at 170mm, f5.6, 1/2000, ISO 800

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 31, 2013 at 5:44 AM

Cute image, but fairly soft.
Maybe too distant, requiring a very large crop?
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on December 31, 2013 at 7:57 AM

True Sandy, when I saw this, I shot fast in poor light - I was afraid that this unique scene would suddenly disappear. Shot a few months ago VERY early in my photographic career!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 1, 2014 at 12:34 AM

They are cute Sandy and I like the behaviour too, although I'm not sure if they are grooming, establishing dominance, or you know (mating?). I don't mind some vegetation to frame the action, but a few of the skinny bright straight sticks on the left side spoil it for me. I have to agree with Sandy's points as well. A simple truth I find regarding wildlife photographers, is that the very best of them are simply super picky! They are sticklers for waiting for the right light, the right pose, the right setting - nothing else cuts it for them. The challenge is it does take time to develop that discerning eye, but that's why you/we are here right. Keep 'em coming and view the work of others and critique at will, the process develops that astute eye for what really works best. I'm impressed that you are getting these photos with just "months" behind the camera.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on January 1, 2014 at 7:55 AM

Thanks Gary, unfortunately this was one of those brief moments where I had no photographic intentions, heard some noise in my backyard, went out, found this scene, quickly shot it and the squirrels dispersed. No time to wait for or compose the winning shot. To me, the subject matter made the shot!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on January 2, 2014 at 12:44 PM

Great action and the crossing branches frame them nicely. I agree we are lacking a bit of critical sharpness...but this surely made you smile!

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

Comment posted by Sandy Scott on January 2, 2014 at 12:57 PM

Thanks Lon, I so wish it could have been a better shot technically, but the subject matter is so delightful!!

Registered on December 6, 2013, 85 Posts, 345 Comments