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Straight Ahead Buck
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Straight Ahead Buck

by Peter Cross

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 30, 201491 views5 comments
John requested an image of yesterday's buck showing him looking straight at me so one can see the width of his rack and compare it to the height seen yesterday. I did just about the same processing to this one except I used a warmer white balance. I like how it came out but it may be a bit too warm compared to reality. Tomorrow I'll post another buck that is also well endowed. Comments and critiques are welcome.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with EF 70-200mm f/4 at 200mm
1/250th at f/4 and ISO 1600
tripod
Lightroom 5

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on October 30, 2014 at 10:14 AM
I do not find any faults with this one. Maybe a slight boost in contrast. The deer is in a good position, seems relaxed, not concerned about your being there, both the light and dark areas have detail, eyes seem sharp, the BG while a bit busy, is not distracting IMHO and provides a good setting for the buck. :smile: Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing more.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Reed on October 30, 2014 at 10:14 PM
Peter, nice buck. Seems a little on the dark side. maybe a slight level adjust to increase mid levels.. :toast:
Registered on September 19, 2009, 198 Posts, 1074 Comments
Comment posted by John Launstein on October 31, 2014 at 2:16 AM
What a nice-looking buck, Peter! I really like this scene. Great portrait of a bedded buck and wonderful separation from the background while still showing his environment nicely. I would be tempted to lose a touch from the bottom and add it to the top if available, but that may be largely personal taste. I do wish for just a touch more detail in the bright muzzle, but know all-too-well how difficult it is to find the balance in exposure to capture that on deer and sheep in this type of lighting. I suppose the larger diagonal fallen branch behind him keeps this from being "perfect," but it's awfully good all the same. I personally like the dark, moody look as presented. Very nice wildlife portrait.
Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on October 31, 2014 at 9:44 AM
Hi Peter,

My views on this shot largely mirror those of John L., so I won't repeat what he said. I can't comment on whether your previous post or this one are closer to "reality" with respect to white balance, but I do prefer this warmer shot. I also like the darker, moodier feel to this and wouldn't want it presented any brighter.

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on October 31, 2014 at 10:07 PM
I like the look you're getting from this large buck Peter. I like the dark feel somewhat, but might selectively lighten the shadows a tad on the buck.
Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments