'Make space for nature' is very popular in the media at the moment so I thought I'd apply the idea to some photographs. Undoubtedly, my approach to this image will not be to everyones taste, especially the lack of eye contact. That said, for me, it works.
The image was made on a trip to Norway in March with a group of photographers - we had the privilege of meeting up with this individual while traveling to our destination. Despite the reflective snow, light levels were low due to our early start.
Canon 1ds3, 500 mm, tripod.
1/1600 @ f4, ISO 640.
No crop.
I agree, it work well for me and it is walking away, but into the frame so it works from that point of view. I would be tempted to remove the tree or few branches that appear in the top left of the image and crop from the top to remove the tree roots that take the eye away from the subject a little, but other than that I actually quite like it. Seems to fit your target purpose quite nicely.
Nicely framed/exposed etc, and a well taken opportunity, me thinks
Alan
Posted by Stephen Boyd on June 23, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Chris
I think its a wonderful photograph!
I must own up to having 'lurked' in the shadows of the forum for quite a while now and your image has persuaded me to make my first comment
There is no doubt that there are some fantastic images shown on the forum and simply looking everyday has improved my photography no end, in terms of what makes a good image
However from my own personal perspective I feel that there aren't enough images which show the animal in its habitat and you have done this perfectly - you can feel the solitude!
For me an image which captures the environment as well as the animal will always beat a perfectly executed portrait shot
One day I might even pluck up the courage to post an image myself!!
I like it too, personally, and it is a personal thing, I would have liked a head turn or for the Fox to be in the same position but facing you, but that does not detract from good thinking and the fact that your planned image came to fruition... the most important thing though is that you are pleased with it.
Oh and welcome to the forum and looking forward to seeing more....
It certainly works for me.
Although the fox only occupies a very small area of the frame it's the strong composition and contrast between animal and surroundings that, IMHO, make it very effective.
The image also gets me a little intrigued, interested and wondering about what's going on, i.e. is the fox off home, is he out on the start of a forraging expedition,etc,etc,etc. A thought provoking image.
It works for me as the trees drag your eye away in the direction the fox was heading. May have preferred the fox slighty lower in the picture - maybe not ?
Posted by Dawn Monrose on June 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Really nice, definately suits your purpose. I don't mind the trees/branches, but you could clone them I suppose, depending on use. Without them it would give an even greater sense of space or wilderness, but with them it looks like the fox is travelling to something...if you see what I mean! I like the fact he's not facing you, but would like to see a bit more of his snout!
Anyways, a lovely and dare I say it, quite artistic shot!!
Hello all,
Thanks for the comments - I expected a little less favourable reaction! (I'm not complaining - some interesting comments and issues I hadn't thought about.)
Stephen, like you, I’ve also ‘lurked’ for a while (along with others . . . . you know who are . . . Malcolm), but I decided that getting images seen is important to me at this moment in time. The forum seems to be a friendly enough place and there doesn’t appear to be much malice contained in the constructive comments given. If my ego gets a bit bruised as a result of posting images that I believe in, then so be it – it all adds to the learning.
Justin, you have described what I was hoping to convey with this image when I tripped the shutter – a sense of intrigue (I think this is enhanced by not being able to see the animals face?).
Posted by Alan Bryant on June 23, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I really like this
Tho i would crop the bottom, to give a more "pano" look leaving the tree's as they are.
Very nice exposure on a great image
Posted by Stephen Boyd on June 23, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Chris
Well done for posting your first image, guess its down to Malcolm, myself and other 'lurkers' to make a move now!
As you say the feedback is both friendly and constructive and helps you to look through the eyes of others, which I guess is the whole point of the forum!?
Keep them coming
Stephen
Posted by Nick Caddick on June 23, 2008 at 2:47 PM
I would crop out the trees completely so there is nothing but the fox and the space. Nicely done
Discussion
16 repliesThe image was made on a trip to Norway in March with a group of photographers - we had the privilege of meeting up with this individual while traveling to our destination. Despite the reflective snow, light levels were low due to our early start.
Canon 1ds3, 500 mm, tripod.
1/1600 @ f4, ISO 640.
No crop.
Major.
Brett
Robert
Nicely framed/exposed etc, and a well taken opportunity, me thinks
Alan
I think its a wonderful photograph!
I must own up to having 'lurked' in the shadows of the forum for quite a while now and your image has persuaded me to make my first comment
There is no doubt that there are some fantastic images shown on the forum and simply looking everyday has improved my photography no end, in terms of what makes a good image
However from my own personal perspective I feel that there aren't enough images which show the animal in its habitat and you have done this perfectly - you can feel the solitude!
For me an image which captures the environment as well as the animal will always beat a perfectly executed portrait shot
One day I might even pluck up the courage to post an image myself!!
Stephen
Oh and welcome to the forum and looking forward to seeing more....
Although the fox only occupies a very small area of the frame it's the strong composition and contrast between animal and surroundings that, IMHO, make it very effective.
The image also gets me a little intrigued, interested and wondering about what's going on, i.e. is the fox off home, is he out on the start of a forraging expedition,etc,etc,etc.
Look forward to more.
Anyways, a lovely and dare I say it, quite artistic shot!!
Thanks for the comments - I expected a little less favourable reaction! (I'm not complaining - some interesting comments and issues I hadn't thought about.)
Stephen, like you, I’ve also ‘lurked’ for a while (along with others . . . . you know who are . . . Malcolm), but I decided that getting images seen is important to me at this moment in time. The forum seems to be a friendly enough place and there doesn’t appear to be much malice contained in the constructive comments given. If my ego gets a bit bruised as a result of posting images that I believe in, then so be it – it all adds to the learning.
Justin, you have described what I was hoping to convey with this image when I tripped the shutter – a sense of intrigue (I think this is enhanced by not being able to see the animals face?).
Tho i would crop the bottom, to give a more "pano" look leaving the tree's as they are.
Very nice exposure on a great image
Well done for posting your first image, guess its down to Malcolm, myself and other 'lurkers' to make a move now!
As you say the feedback is both friendly and constructive and helps you to look through the eyes of others, which I guess is the whole point of the forum!?
Keep them coming
Stephen
Would be interesting to see any other shots - did anyone click or call the fox so that it stopped and turned to look to you?
(welcome to the forum BTW
This is a wonderful image and a wonderful scence, great capture.
Danny