Inquisitive Grey Seal..

Taken during a recent excursion to Norfolk this young Grey seal was really very inquisitive and wanted to know all that going on around him..

I thought I'd post this one as I wasn't to sure about it. I don't know whether the comp works, detail or exposure. So with Robert asking me to post something I was close to binning I thought I'd get your views on it.. Mostly I guess, i'm asking myself 'does it work for me'..?

So C&C very welcome..

Kind regards,

Brett


Canon 1D MK3, 100-400 (170), HH
1/1600 @ f9.0, ISO 400

Composition wise I would like a little more on top and the right as he is looking slightly right. I think you have done as well as you can with the exposure but the eye is still in the shadow.
I love the pose of the subject. Nice image
Pete

I do like it Brett but shame the face and left side of body is in shade.

Yeah, thanks guys.. It actually came up behind where I was shooting from and I wasn't quite prepared for it.. comments appreciated..

Brett

Lovely image, maybe a little to central in the frame

Very nice image and a slight shame about the shaded area of the seal,composition suit's the image IMO and great detail thoughout

The seal's pose couldn't be better. The detail and exposure look fine to me. I agree about the face being in shade and it's a pity the green rocks merge with the face. Reminds me of the many shots I have that make me think "if only (xxx), this would be absolutely superb"!

I agree with Ian, Brett; the green outcrop gets in the way. Maybe (if this is a crop) the seal would be better positioned further left.

I've seen worse published.

Cheers,
Chris

All nits covered its a nice image. I reckon a gentle lifting of the shadow area could be done but no big deal.
It is a real pity about the green stuff.
JohnR

Thanks Guys, this is full frame so not much chance of changing position but has given me some real food for thought. I appreciate all your comments.

Brett

From where I'm viewing the shadow areas don't look too bad at all, still plenty of detail and if you lifted them too much it wouldn't fit happily with the general lighting. When I look closely at the eye it doesn't appear to be totally black (perhaps some reflected sky) and I reckon if you selectively lightened / increased the contrast in the eye it would give it a bit more 'life'. Compositionally I too would prefer it less central with a bit of space to the right. As for the green rocks, its a shame as they do distract but all in all the pose is so good that I would still be well happy to have caught this.
I'm off to adder nother slow worm to my dinner plate !!
Robert.

Hi Brett

Love the pose - I don't have any problem with the parts of the Seal that are in shadow as there is still plenty of detail. My only minor nit is that it is a tad central and tight in the frame - that said I still really like the image!

David

You did well in Norfolk Brett.
In spite of the head being shadowed there is still an eyelight so dont have any problems with this image at all. Its a great pose.

Major