1/40th @ F5 iso 1600
500mm
This is probably the last of the otter images I'll be posting for a while. When I started photographing these otters there was what I believed to be a bitch and two mature cubs, with the larger dog otter putting in an occasional appearance. When I began to think the bitch was pregnant I guessed that if I was correct then she would drive off the cubs. This happened. Then later I was seeing her less and less and when she did show it tended to be that bit further away and more in the cover of the fallen tree and branches (where I shot the video). I still had the occasional appearance by the dog otter but he is, and always was, very cautious. I haven't seen any of them now for some time and my suspicion is that she has cubbed nearby which would mean she would spend less time in the open and presumably more time undercover of darkness. The vegetation is growing rapidly now so I think the time has come to suspend the project for a while.
Anyway, I have been absolutely delighted to have spent so much time with them and hopefully later in the year we may meet up again.
Thanks to all who have commented on this series.
Posted by David Sewell on April 2, 2012 at 7:13 AM
A shame you are stopping, Robert. This has been a great series, and it has been wonderful to see your otter shots getting better and better as it has progressed. However, in the circumstances you describe I am sure it is the right decision and that it is best to leave them in peace for the next few months.
David
Posted by Nick Mckeown on April 2, 2012 at 7:34 AM
I agree with David about giving her and the cubs a little space for now and I am sure you will meet up with them later on in the year. I have enjoyed your project immensely so far Robert and this last photo is also one of the best of pink nose. Thanks for sharing your images with the forum.
Hi Rob, as things have progressed you certainly have been able to achieve a lot in capturing one of the most illusive animals we have and is a testimony to your patience & fieldcraft.
Regarding the image, I like the low POW and the way it is coming into frame, whether it should be flipped R to L is a personal choice, however I would revisit the colour balance primarily on the Otter and a hint more select sharpening, but based on the 'techs' you have achieved a lot.
Once again, TFS
Steve
Posted by David Taylor on April 2, 2012 at 9:36 AM
An excellent image to finish the series with. I'm sure your decision is the correct one.
Ditto the above comments Robert. I've very much enjoyed seeing this series of images, from the frustrating 'nearly' shots you were getting early on to the excellent images towards the end. Hopefully they'll still be in the area next winter.
This is another very nice image, though the otter's fur does look rather blue to me. Easily corrected with WB or curves/levels.
Matt
Posted by Andy Astbury on April 2, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Discussion
12 replies500mm
This is probably the last of the otter images I'll be posting for a while. When I started photographing these otters there was what I believed to be a bitch and two mature cubs, with the larger dog otter putting in an occasional appearance. When I began to think the bitch was pregnant I guessed that if I was correct then she would drive off the cubs. This happened. Then later I was seeing her less and less and when she did show it tended to be that bit further away and more in the cover of the fallen tree and branches (where I shot the video). I still had the occasional appearance by the dog otter but he is, and always was, very cautious. I haven't seen any of them now for some time and my suspicion is that she has cubbed nearby which would mean she would spend less time in the open and presumably more time undercover of darkness. The vegetation is growing rapidly now so I think the time has come to suspend the project for a while.
Anyway, I have been absolutely delighted to have spent so much time with them and hopefully later in the year we may meet up again.
Thanks to all who have commented on this series.
David
Nick.
Regarding the image, I like the low POW and the way it is coming into frame, whether it should be flipped R to L is a personal choice, however I would revisit the colour balance primarily on the Otter and a hint more select sharpening, but based on the 'techs' you have achieved a lot.
Once again, TFS
Steve
This is another very nice image, though the otter's fur does look rather blue to me. Easily corrected with WB or curves/levels.
Matt
Nits covered by Stevo and Matt.
Keith.
Rene de Heer
It's been an excellent series, Robert. And you saved the best till last, slight nit re the colour cast covered but no big deal.
Andy...
Bob
Congratulations on producing an excellent series and sharing the project with us.