Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 21, 2014 at 7:08 AM
Earlier this month, during the cold snap, Morris and I spent a morning at the Rocky Mtn Arsenal.
FYI, for those who haven't visited recently, it is now possible to drive through the buffalo enclosure, instead of shooting through chain link.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 21, 2014 at 7:10 AM
First light on a 4 degree morning
Posted by Doug Koepsel on February 21, 2014 at 2:36 PM
The light coming across the frozen lake and striking the grass golden really makes it look nice against the blues.
Posted by Stan Rose on February 21, 2014 at 6:00 PM
Nice! Love the buffalo. Your second shot look like it might have a minor tilt.
Posted by Morris McClung on February 21, 2014 at 7:40 PM
Both are beauties, Bill! And, yes, it was COLD!
Enjoyed shooting together and breakfast.
Posted by Kane Engelbert on February 22, 2014 at 2:59 AM
Bill is back. I love your comp in the second image and your technique in your first. Personally I like the second image better but I feel your highlights fall just a tad bit flat, but hey I have a contrasty eye. Overall, as is, the image feels really smooth...which may be what you were trying to convey.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 23, 2014 at 12:31 AM
I like the bison image quite a bit. The limited DOF works well here.
However, the bottom 1/4 of the image is problematic. Almost like something translucent was blocking the lens? Certainly doesn't appear to be a normal limited DOF/OOF range area.
I like your second one quite a bit too, but have to agree with Kane. If you move the black slider in Levels rightward to meet the first bits of data, you gain some real nice contrast.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 23, 2014 at 8:28 AM
Here's a revision - increased contrast with white and black point adjustments, and a slight rotation.
Thanks for the observations.
Yes, Kane, I was trying for a lower contrast interpretation.
John, the histogram in Lightroom already had the first bits of data almost clipping, but these were only a few pixels on a long tail, so there was a bit more room to play with. I think I do like the higher contrast interpretation better.
John, nothing was blocking the lens. This is a cropped 500mm shot taken at f4.
However, the focus does drop off rather abruptly in the foreground. It appears to be due to a low ridge, and we were shooting slightly uphill. No post processing was used to blur the foreground.
Morris, it's always a pleasure shooting with you. Thanks again for motivating me to get out of bed on such a nippy morning.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 23, 2014 at 2:51 PM
Thanks for posting this revision and your comments, Bill. I like your revised version better.
Posted by Kane Engelbert on February 25, 2014 at 1:42 AM
Revised version +2!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on February 28, 2014 at 12:17 PM
I like the fact you isolated the bison well in this and love the frozen fur. I agree with John about loosing the lower OOF would improve this greatly. I also have a small suggestion for your next outing there. (you probably already know this Bill, but just in case it helps) Try to time a shot with a bit more head turn toward you...this way the viewer feels more engaged with the animal.
Thanks for the observations, Kurt.
Well, I brought along a red cape for Morris to wave and attract his attention. But Morris wouldn't cooperate and get out of the Jeep!
Actually, I do have a number of shots of another bull with direct eye contact, but I preferred this sidelight over the less dramatic front light.
Discussion
11 repliesFYI, for those who haven't visited recently, it is now possible to drive through the buffalo enclosure, instead of shooting through chain link.
Enjoyed shooting together and breakfast.
However, the bottom 1/4 of the image is problematic. Almost like something translucent was blocking the lens? Certainly doesn't appear to be a normal limited DOF/OOF range area.
I like your second one quite a bit too, but have to agree with Kane. If you move the black slider in Levels rightward to meet the first bits of data, you gain some real nice contrast.
Thanks for the observations.
Yes, Kane, I was trying for a lower contrast interpretation.
John, the histogram in Lightroom already had the first bits of data almost clipping, but these were only a few pixels on a long tail, so there was a bit more room to play with. I think I do like the higher contrast interpretation better.
John, nothing was blocking the lens. This is a cropped 500mm shot taken at f4.
However, the focus does drop off rather abruptly in the foreground. It appears to be due to a low ridge, and we were shooting slightly uphill. No post processing was used to blur the foreground.
Morris, it's always a pleasure shooting with you. Thanks again for motivating me to get out of bed on such a nippy morning.
Well, I brought along a red cape for Morris to wave and attract his attention. But Morris wouldn't cooperate and get out of the Jeep!
Actually, I do have a number of shots of another bull with direct eye contact, but I preferred this sidelight over the less dramatic front light.