Just to show that not everything is sweetness and light in Disney World. This unfortunate seal was washed up on Broadhaven beach after a storm last winter. We came across it whilst walking the dogs and I drove the 4 miles home and back to get a camera to record the moment. By the time I returned the light was just about gone. In the never ending pursuit of the 'perfect' image I feel that sometimes we forget to show the harsher side of nature.
EOS 20D
Sigma 24-70 f2.8 @ 24mm
exp 1/20th @ f6.7 iso 100
Posted by David Kjaer on October 21, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Hi Robert
A very moving image - it is a pity it is such a sad image as it is well composed in a great setting!
David
Posted by jack chapman on October 21, 2008 at 5:34 PM
very nice like the mix of flash with ambient light, looks fairly noisy in the sky which is odd considering the ISO
Posted by eric weight on October 22, 2008 at 1:02 AM
It is always a shame to see such fine animals lying dead, but dying is very much a part of life and is under-represented in wildlife photography.
Your efforts have earned you a just reward with a very fine and interesting shot. Nice mix of light sources as has already been said. Eric
Posted by Dawn Monrose on October 22, 2008 at 5:03 AM
A sad but really excellent shot. Great compositon. Nature isn't all fluffy and sunny, its about survival (or not) and its important to show that side too.
Posted by Brett Lewis on October 22, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Nice work Robert, having witnessed and photographed many of these in my time it's nice to see a photographer having the same outlook. It truly is the natural circle of life despite the Disney'isms. I will have to route around my files and see what other species I have on file.. I think I have a Bottle-nosed Whale somewhere.. Anyway, thanks for sharing with us and for taking the time. The setting, use of light and composition all adds to this informative shot.
Very sad image but people just don't like to see the harsh and true side of wildlife.
Posted by Tim Gregory on October 22, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Very sad, seals are one of my favorite mammals and it always makes me very sad to see them dead.
I think you've conveyed the sense of sadness very well, the curve of the seal and its head laying in the pool with a little blood round its nose and eye, you know what the image is about instantly. I hope it had a quick end and didn't suffer.
Nice to see other aspects of nature being covered instead of just the prettier bits. I like the 'documentary' feel that using flash has brought to the shot – its harshness suits the subject, it reminds me of the work of the New York society/press photographer, Weegie.
Cheers,
Chris
Posted by Colin Pickett on October 23, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Happens to us all in the end, part of nature.
Nice capture
Posted by Fran French on October 25, 2008 at 2:14 AM
Although a sad sight, it is good to see the true 'goings on' in the world of wildlife. You have portrayed it well here.
Discussion
11 repliesEOS 20D
Sigma 24-70 f2.8 @ 24mm
exp 1/20th @ f6.7 iso 100
A very moving image - it is a pity it is such a sad image as it is well composed in a great setting!
David
Your efforts have earned you a just reward with a very fine and interesting shot. Nice mix of light sources as has already been said.
Kind regards,
Brett
I think you've conveyed the sense of sadness very well, the curve of the seal and its head laying in the pool with a little blood round its nose and eye, you know what the image is about instantly. I hope it had a quick end and didn't suffer.
Nice to see other aspects of nature being covered instead of just the prettier bits. I like the 'documentary' feel that using flash has brought to the shot – its harshness suits the subject, it reminds me of the work of the New York society/press photographer, Weegie.
Cheers,
Chris
Nice capture
Fran