Here’s an image I took several years ago in Grand Teton National Park. I personally like this image and the sense of “discovery” that the brush gives. However, when I show this to other people I find that there is no middle ground, people either like it or hate it. Interestingly it seems that most photographers tend to hate it, while the majority of non-photographers tend to like it. I was curious what the view of this forum might be? Pull no punches.
EOS 3
Fuji Velvia (yes actual film)
Sigma 120mm – 300mm
Ok, so I'm a photographer, but not a professional, just a serious amateur or semi-professional. I'll go against the impressions of other photographers and say that I like the effect of the OOF vegetation and branches in front of the moose. The moose seems to be backlit anyway so there isn't going to be a heck of a lot of detail visible so why not bring another artistic element into the composition?
To me, having the occluding elements in the front, but not fully opaque, seems to suggest that the moose is going on about its routine without a sense of being observed. You've carefully "snuck" up on it and are covertly intruding upon its privacy, so to speak.
I think it's an interesting, cool, well done shot.
Posted by Marc Dilley on April 9, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Well, I certainly don't hate it. The feeling is that the viewer is stealing a view of a big,dangerous animal through a blind. And you caught him nicely with the backlighting on his rack.
Posted by Ned Fenimore on April 9, 2008 at 11:36 AM
The backlighting is cool on this, and the OOF stuff doesn't bother me at all...
Posted by Derek Sedillo on April 9, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I would be very happy will this shot. When I was there last summer I was looking to capture something similar. I was unable to find a male. But I was chased by a rather 'large' female who I don't think liked having her picture taken in the open. http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/233040914_pfyL9-XL.jpg
I could see how the photographer in me would want to capture a 'clear' shot of the male as well if possible.
Posted by Marc Adamus on April 9, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I definitely feel it would be a stronger image without the OOF clutter in front of the Moose, but it doesn't distract to the point of ruining it for me. The lighting is exceptional.
Dave, I've always liked this image of yours. With that said, if I were designing the perfect composition I would eliminate the branches in the center with specular highlights. They are a bit distracting. The branches and foliage around the perimeter are sufficient to convey the mood. However, in the heat of the moment we don't always have the opportunity to design the perfect composition. Great shot in any case.
It is absolutely horrible, rotten, repulsive and disgusting... that I'm not the one that grabbed this great image.
The light's great, especially the backlight. You know what? The OOF branches are fine, I'm just thinking that it'd be nice if there weren't quite so many (not exactly a controllable attribute in a shot like this). But no biggie, I'd be pleased if this was in my portfolio.
mood and mystery. I like it.
I can hear the water flowing and the morning birds chirping.
IMHO, when an image brings ambient sounds to the back of my mind, the image is a resounding success. Or any other part of the ambiance of the moment for that matter. In this case, it happens to be sounds.
Throw me into the middle of the road on this one. I dont hate the foreground items that are OOF. I can see what others see in the sense of mystery. I also think it would be a bit stronger of an image without it.
Strong image that could be a bit stronger without it would be my stance.
As far as all other aspects of the image, good strong composition, and the animal has a strong presence in the frame with no guessing what the subject is. Nice backlit light makes the image. Well done, would have tried without the foreground after getting this image if it was at all possable.
I like the sense of being outside the moose's world looking in. We're often taking wildlife shots with a mind tilted toward being a part of their lives, bringing our viewers into their world. That's great for most of what we do . . . but it's good to have a reminder from time to time that we can never quite get there in the sense of being inside their skin.
Discussion
12 repliesEOS 3
Fuji Velvia (yes actual film)
Sigma 120mm – 300mm
To me, having the occluding elements in the front, but not fully opaque, seems to suggest that the moose is going on about its routine without a sense of being observed. You've carefully "snuck" up on it and are covertly intruding upon its privacy, so to speak.
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/233040914_pfyL9-XL.jpg
I could see how the photographer in me would want to capture a 'clear' shot of the male as well if possible.
The light's great, especially the backlight. You know what? The OOF branches are fine, I'm just thinking that it'd be nice if there weren't quite so many (not exactly a controllable attribute in a shot like this). But no biggie, I'd be pleased if this was in my portfolio.
I can hear the water flowing and the morning birds chirping.
IMHO, when an image brings ambient sounds to the back of my mind, the image is a resounding success. Or any other part of the ambiance of the moment for that matter. In this case, it happens to be sounds.
Strong image that could be a bit stronger without it would be my stance.
As far as all other aspects of the image, good strong composition, and the animal has a strong presence in the frame with no guessing what the subject is. Nice backlit light makes the image. Well done, would have tried without the foreground after getting this image if it was at all possable.
Well done!!!
Roman