Very nice Doug. #4 is my favorite. Cute little guy and a simple background make this image for me! Well done.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on July 27, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Agreed - #4 is great!
I like the energy of #2 (don't you come any closer, or I'll tear you up, you German Wire Haired Pointer, you!!) However, it appears the rock he's sitting on is in sharp focus, and not the little guy's eye. There's what - maybe a half inch of DOF here?
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 27, 2010 at 2:26 PM
Erik, I too noticed that the eye was blurred. I appears that the hairs of his shoulder are in focus, but not his cheek and eye. Perhaps it is the movement of his head while he was eeeking?
Very nice stuff. The pika is definitely a cute critter. #4 is a fantastic portrait. Well done on the sharpness and DOF. The center composition with eyes on the thirds is definitely the best choice given such a strong portrait subject.
What Morris said!
You nailed it here, Doug. Don't see many pika shots here, and these are really excellent.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 27, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Thank you all. Having that pika hold on the pointed rock while I repositioned slightly, and having the colorful lichen covered scrabble in the background certainly helped.
I am thinking that the marmot could benefit from a slightly tighter crop.
Also, possibly more contrast in #4 to help the pika stand out? or that might fight against the softer pastel background?
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 27, 2010 at 8:22 PM
OK, slight left and bottom crop to get the eyes closer to 1/3 from top, and a little darkening of highlights to get the pica to stand out more. A little dodge on the nose.
Those Pika shots are just terrific--#4 is a total classic!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on July 28, 2010 at 11:37 AM
Very nice series Doug! I also like #4 best, but wish #2 had a larger AP, so the BG was blurred a bit more....cause I love the action shots best and you caught him perfectly in the singing mode!
Posted by Jeff Hackett on July 28, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Love the comp and background in #4 and the personality of #2.
#2 and #4 are the amazing shots I have to agree with everyone, but I personally love them equally. #2 for the action and perfect moment and #4 for the composition and dof. great compositions and another person who takes their dog when shooting I'm not alone in my insanity lol cheers
Discussion
24 repliesNikon 300 f/4 with Promaster 1.4 TC
Pika photos were taken without TC. 300mm lens set at f/8.
This pika gave several various poses from upon the rock perch.
I like the energy of #2 (don't you come any closer, or I'll tear you up, you German Wire Haired Pointer, you!!) However, it appears the rock he's sitting on is in sharp focus, and not the little guy's eye. There's what - maybe a half inch of DOF here?
Very nice stuff. The pika is definitely a cute critter. #4 is a fantastic portrait. Well done on the sharpness and DOF. The center composition with eyes on the thirds is definitely the best choice given such a strong portrait subject.
You nailed it here, Doug. Don't see many pika shots here, and these are really excellent.
I am thinking that the marmot could benefit from a slightly tighter crop.
Also, possibly more contrast in #4 to help the pika stand out? or that might fight against the softer pastel background?
I like #2, but I thought he was yawning as opposed to roaring! Number 4 is indeed a classic. Well done!