Watervole

This little fellow was on the riverbank and I wanted to capture just his face and the eye whilst rendering the rest OOF, the dark colour is the riverbank.

All Comments And Advice Welcome


Tech;
Nikon D300
NikonF4VR
F4,1/500
iso 400
PP-CS3,FullFrame,No Crop

Thanks For Looking

I think this is well on it's way to being exactly what you were after and it does work. Shame about those odd bits of grass across it's face, since that is the only bit you were after.. But typical of a natural setting. The OOF bit of the RHS is a little overbearing and I might be inclined to take a little off, maybe inline with the front of the lighter stem at the top..? Although that might upset the comp which is nice as is.. All just suggestions of course.. Would love to get these kind of opportunities, so very nice work indeed.

Brett

Thank you both,Brett I've cursed myself over those rogue bits of grass,but had I moved and he would have gone,as from this pose his sense of smell had picked me up, I have left it 'ashot' Thank you again for your comments

No worries Craig, I really like this and fully understand the patience it takes to get anywhere near to bagging a shot like this, so take my hat off to you.. Really enjoying the variety and thinking behind your recent posts..

Brett

Thanks again gents, and Julian there's no chance of that I'm a 'rookie' when it comes to wildlife photograph,I'm learning everytime I pick up my camera,and I just love nature. I have'nt forgot your helpful advice,also I'm a Padi diver like yourself and trying to get the 'Ikelite' housing for my D300 to photograph wildlife underwater so any tips on this would be great. All The Best

Hi Craig

I wouldn't beat myself up too much about the 'rogue grass'; the eye isn’t obscured, its nice and sharp, that’s what holds this shot together.

I think photographers have become a little too obsessed with the pursuit of the 'perfect picture' since the combination of digital cameras and Photoshop have reached the masses. It is refreshing to see the 'real' bits left in and not cloned out, especially since they add to the mystery in this particular case.

This is a charming, natural animal/enviro portrait; it conveys an unobtrusive, non-contrived approach and offers a realistic glimpse of a relatively ‘flighty’ species. Good shot.

Cheers,
Chris

Really like this one Craig, lovely detail in the fur and whiskers, nice one.

Andy...

Chris is right on this one Craig - all in all it's a natural and very good shot.

Mark

Yes Chris has it the mark with his comments. An excellent image indeed.

Big congrats. Wonderful image.

Edwin Kats

Looks better on here craig

Dave

Bob on.

Good one Craig

Thats wonderful !.

Craig i think it's all been said,excellent shot!!!!

Keith.

Hi Craig,

I'm not too sure about this personally, I like the idea and its great you are trying different stuff! I find the comp a little awkward and maybe because the vole is looking slightly away from the camera. That said, I would listen to the masses!

Cheers,

Lewis.

I like the idea of the shot and I think the nits have been covered off fairly well. You may get a better depth of field and less strangled grass with some extension tubes - I have had some limited success with this with flowers (I know a different subject) but maybe you'll finish with something more to your liking depending on whether you want a more wild look as above or a more pruned and smooth version (just a thought).

Ian

Thank you everyone, very good advice and views,much appreciated

Terrific shot, Craig. Like it just as it is.

Hello Criag.

A very nice natural shot and all the better for it.

I disagree with the nit-pickers. It's a great shot.



Paul

Really like this, comp suggests careful and secretive nature of the little chap.