Low Key Ram

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 21, 201669 views2 comments

Trying to intersperse my bighorn pics between other images from the fall.

If the last ram I posted was pretty fired up and "Feelin' It," this guy was generally the opposite. It's funny how different animals display different tendencies and behavior. Over the three days we photographed this ram, he was pretty calm and just went about his business of intimidating younger rams and almost nonchalantly covering ewes. So, when he walked by with the forest behind already in shadow, I thought it kind of fit to go "low key" on him. I really liked the character his broomed horn, messed up bridge of his muzzle, and wet facial hair gives him.

Thanks in advance for your comments, suggestions and critiques...please view the larger version for better detail.

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Nikon D600
Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4D IF-ED
ISO 640
1/2000sec @ f/5
-1 stop underexposed from meter
Mounted on FEISOL CT-3372 Elite tripod with Acratech GV2 ballhead and Wimberley Sidekick
Cropped to app. 85% of original

Comments

2 comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on January 21, 2016 at 11:40 AM

John: as you've stated, this image should be seen large. Your B/W choice and processing really bring out the various textures and fine details in this animal. I also like the pose and the direct eye contact while the pure black background serves to place all emphasis on the ram. Congrats!! Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on January 24, 2016 at 8:56 AM

Hi John,

Very nice B&W conversion - you've drawn out the textures and contrast really well (done in PS or in Capture One Pro?). Subject isn't half-bad either! enlightened

Just as an FYI - although it's not really a "dramatic" part of the shot, my eye was first drawn to the brushed horn-tip (and not the eye).

One cropping comment: I'm not sure you need quite so much space behind (to the left of) the rear of the horn - for my taste (read that as "personal preference only!") I think I'd like to see less space to the left and a bit more on the right side.

Cheers...

Brad

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