Wait 'til Next Year

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 23, 2014143 views6 comments

I caught these 2 bucks engaging in a bit of practice this morning. It's common for a smaller and larger deer to do this and I've seen it a number of times. It's fairly low intensity and probably is a big help to the smaller buck for when he's older and ready for the real thing. These guys would push and show for a bit then break off and feed and walk side by side. Then do it again. In this particular image, it looks like the smaller deer has gotten the bigger buck at a disadvantage by twisting his head. Hope he remembers that move for next year. I followed them for half an hour and got quite a show although the view wasn't always the best. I cropped this to about 60% of the original then tried my best to make these 2 guys look real. The light although low wasn't the best and they were in the shade such as it was. I did manipulations in most of the sliders to try and improve the appearance of the deer. Nothing really heavy but a little here and a little there. Not much choice about the comp here with all of the intruding veg. Does this heavy framing work ok? Any other thoughts on how to present these 2? Your comments and critiques would be appreciated.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with EF 70-200mm f/4 at 200mm
1/800th at f/4 and ISO 1000
tripod
Lightroom 5

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on December 24, 2014 at 9:46 AM

I really like this Peter. The framing of the branches works well. It has a moody sense to it that I like. Well seen and well captured.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by D.A. Edwards on December 24, 2014 at 3:37 PM

I think the framing works quite well, Peter. It suggests a glimpse from a blind of wildlife doing their thing. I also like the low contrast portion of the image where the action is happening. I might consider a small crop from the top to reduce the size of the OOF branches but the image works well as presented.

Registered on October 8, 2014, 226 Posts, 1187 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on December 24, 2014 at 11:57 PM

I agree with Jerry and D.A., great framing of the action. Also you could tighten up the top a bit, Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on December 26, 2014 at 8:57 AM

Hi Peter,

The "sneak-peeking through the woods' aspect of this is interesting. I was wondering about what could have produced the low-contrast look to this (mist?), but after reading your comment on the subsequent post I think you're right that the lens must have been fogged up (though it could also have been the image sensor - I have seen that happen before with 60D's, but only in VERY moist conditions). I'd argue for a increasing the contrast on this one by a significant amount...

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on December 27, 2014 at 8:57 PM

I find the framing interesting, but a bit overpowering. I think it might be because of the flat look to the action. Agree with Brad some added contrast right help in that area and might help reduce the overpowering of the frame I am feeling.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Josiah Launstein on February 9, 2015 at 4:16 AM

I really like this picture! I really like the soft light and how you got the action of the bucks fighting through the branches.

Registered on January 26, 2013, 52 Posts, 126 Comments