Posted by Elliott Neep on July 14, 2008 at 12:08 PM
John and Peter's post have just reminded me to post this. This was one of the highlights, although I failed to really get the setting across. The lack of light required an f/4 - f/5.6 so I couldn't render the background in sharper focus. Oh well!
For once, I had timed it perfectly as the otters were just waking up. They emerged from their underground lair and ran around and around for about 5mins, rolling and rubbing (all out of clear view of course). The cubs then ran straight down the rocks and into the water. I had one chance left and that was the mother. She came around a different path and stood in full view, so I grabbed a couple of frames. Then she dropped of the rocks and began fishing.
I have always wanted to capture an image of an otter near its holt and this was literally the first frame of the trip! I stayed down wind and used a 600mm f/4 on a tripod and gimbal head, so I was well away from the entrance. I never enter the area of the holt as otters with cubs are just too easily disturbed. The smell of human footprints would be enough to deter them from coming back.
Possibly one of the best otter shot's I've seen Elliot.
Size in the frame is spot on, mosses and lichens and flowers are a huge bonus.
Nearly perfect, but for that bl**dy stem of grass.
John
Posted by Stephen Boyd on July 14, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Lovely shot - In an ideal world you might take out the stem of grass but its still a fantastic shot in habitat
Hi Elliott what can I say a absolutely fantastic image I know some may think the grass detracts but for me it is just perfect, I would love the opportunity to get an image like this.
Very pleasing indeed, very well seen and taken. You have had some wonderful opportunities and have used them wisely. Nicely done.
Brett.
Posted by eric weight on July 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Superb habitat shot Elliott and I'm not sure that the bg would want to be much more defined but then I don't know what it is. I don't mind the grass but I bet that single tall stem probably irritates you a bit really? Eric
Posted by Elliott Neep on July 15, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Thanks for all the positive feedback. I really wanted more definition in the rocks behind, but it works well as is. The blade of grass doesn't really bother me at all, as there are other bits of grass. If it was just the one, then then it would be more annoying. Thanks for looking and C&Cing
Discussion
13 repliesFor once, I had timed it perfectly as the otters were just waking up. They emerged from their underground lair and ran around and around for about 5mins, rolling and rubbing (all out of clear view of course). The cubs then ran straight down the rocks and into the water. I had one chance left and that was the mother. She came around a different path and stood in full view, so I grabbed a couple of frames. Then she dropped of the rocks and began fishing.
I have always wanted to capture an image of an otter near its holt and this was literally the first frame of the trip! I stayed down wind and used a 600mm f/4 on a tripod and gimbal head, so I was well away from the entrance. I never enter the area of the holt as otters with cubs are just too easily disturbed. The smell of human footprints would be enough to deter them from coming back.
Size in the frame is spot on, mosses and lichens and flowers are a huge bonus.
Nearly perfect, but for that bl**dy stem of grass.
John
(and of course its not an ideal world)
Stephen
Nice picture all around.
JR
Colin
Phil.
Ps had a great holiday hope you are well.
Cheers,
Dan.
Matt
Brett.