Intensity

[coupekid]

Ok, another Wolf picture I know.....

....what I have attempted here is to use a slightly wider lens (taken at 55mm, rather than use the usual telephoto) so as not to throw the background out of focus, in order to show the wolves camouflage effect.

So, do you reckon it works, or do you think its just confusing on the eye?

[Pops]

Re: Intensity

I much prefer your backgrounds to be blurred. In this one the b/g is a distraction for me. I look at the head first and those trees, g/g right, keep pulling my eyes to them.

and why shouldn't you keep posting wolves ... I keep putting birds up

[Archangel]

Re: Intensity

Ok, another Wolf picture I know.....

....what I have attempted here is to use a slightly wider lens (taken at 55mm, rather than use the usual telephoto) so as not to throw the background out of focus, in order to show the wolves camouflage effect.

So, do you reckon it works, or do you think its just confusing on the eye?

Hi Coupekid,

I missed to comment on a previous wolf thread you made.
Based on your intention to show wolves camouflage effect, I think this shot is as it should be. Everything in focus and no blurriness at all.
Personally I like the photo and I think your intention has been properly reflected.
If your intention was to just show a wolf then a blurred background would be more appropriate.


Regards

George

[Bearface]

Re: Intensity

Another good shot of the wolf. This one seems more complete, in the sense that you've captured the wolf in what we'd generally percieve to be it's obvious environment. The overall light is great and the back-lighting from the low sun highlights the subject nicely.

I think the DOF is appropriate, particularly considering your stated intention to portray the wolf's habitat and his ability to blend into it. A blurred background wouldn't have achieved this as convincingly. That said, I might've darkened the upper corners of the frame (like a subtle vignette) in order to focus attention back to the wolf.

Some of the more intense highlights are a bit strong. Other than that it's a good (if small) image

[coupekid]

Re: Intensity

Another good shot of the wolf. This one seems more complete, in the sense that you've captured the wolf in what we'd generally percieve to be it's obvious environment. The overall light is great and the back-lighting from the low sun highlights the subject nicely.

I think the DOF is appropriate, particularly considering your stated intention to portray the wolf's habitat and his ability to blend into it. A blurred background wouldn't have achieved this as convincingly. That said, I might've darkened the upper corners of the frame (like a subtle vignette) in order to focus attention back to the wolf.

Some of the more intense highlights are a bit strong. Other than that it's a good (if small) image

Cheers All,

Bearface:
Thanks for the positive feedback, I was aware of the highlights, and have done a bit of 'burning' and tweaking with the shadow/highlight tool. Also, I have added a slight vignette, (look a closely and youll spot it! *lol)

The lighting was a nightmare and very intense one minute, and overcast and even drizzling the next!

Luckily for us, it only decided to pour down at the end of the day.


Pops:
Thanks for the critique, its interesting to see how people perceive the shot. I guess based on your comments his fur blends well! hehe!

I never tire of seeing you birdy shots by the way!


Archangel:
Thanks for the feedback, and glad it works for you!

Cheers,
Ben

[chryslerchick]

Re: Intensity

ok call me thick-but are you in Bracknell, Berkshire UK or elsewhere ?? as i didnt think Bracknell, Berkshire uk had wolves ?? yep lady on board


and i love your pics of the wolves their fantastic,keep em coming

[SFL]

Re: Intensity

....what I have attempted here is to use a slightly wider lens (taken at 55mm, rather than use the usual telephoto) so as not to throw the background out of focus, in order to show the wolves camouflage effect.

So, do you reckon it works, or do you think its just confusing on the eye?

I like the picture as it does what it says (on the tin ) the wolves camouflage effect.

I'm glad you posted your comment as my OH was beginning to think that you took the wolves out for a walk as you said in another post something about a "walk with wolves"

I will now be able to put her in the picture lol

[Bearface]

Re: Intensity

Bearface:
Thanks for the positive feedback, I was aware of the highlights, and have done a bit of 'burning' and tweaking with the shadow/highlight tool. Also, I have added a slight vignette, (look a closely and youll spot it! *lol)

My pleasure - it's a nice shot.

Spotted your vignette immediately (aren't I clever... ), but I discreetly avoided highlighting it because I felt it was a tad subtle but not worthy of criticism. However for me, darkening the background corners means darkening them, if you catch my drift...?

[guymclaren]

Re: Intensity

Personally it makes it more real to me. I kind of enjoy the background clutter, It gives the image depth.

[cowcrzy06]

Re: Intensity

Coupekid,
I believe that even without explanation the backround does not distract from that beautiful wolf. My eyes were first drawn to the wolf then to the backround. Is it just me or are the edges darkened just a bit? If they are then I believe that the effect does draw the eye to the wolf and gives the wolf a stronger presence. The effect is so subtle that it does not take from the backround. O.k. My brain just did overtime!! :b
Being so new I am sorry that my opinion is not more technical.

[Stephen]

Re: Intensity

Coupekid,
I believe that even without explanation the backround does not distract from that beautiful wolf. My eyes were first drawn to the wolf then to the backround. Is it just me or are the edges darkened just a bit? If they are then I believe that the effect does draw the eye to the wolf and gives the wolf a stronger presence. The effect is so subtle that it does not take from the backround. O.k. My brain just did overtime!! :b
Being so new I am sorry that my opinion is not more technical.

Who needs to be technical,you seem to be doing just fine. Just say what you feel

The slight vignetting (darkening of the corners) is an old technique of photographers, it does just what you said. I use it all the time

[coupekid]

Re: Intensity

I like the picture as it does what it says (on the tin ) the wolves camouflage effect.

I'm glad you posted your comment as my OH was beginning to think that you took the wolves out for a walk as you said in another post something about a "walk with wolves"

I will now be able to put her in the picture lol

Yes indeed!
The Wolves were indeed taken out for a walk! You can subscribe to a walking membership. (My wife is a volunteer at the trust, and is one of the handlers, I go along as a guest and give a nice donation)

https://www.ukwolf.org

They have one person who walks well up ahead, just to warn people that the wolves are coming, so as not to worry them, or their dogs. They have two handlers to a wolf, (I have cloned out the chain) and one person well behind.

When I say the wolves are on a chain, please note that in no way are the wolves mistreated in any way. The wolves are pretty much able to go where they wish, if they chose not to walk, they are not forced to. I cant emphasise enough that I am an animal lover, and would never condone animals being used for humans......the humans are very much used for the animals benifit!

[coupekid]

Re: Intensity

ok call me thick-but are you in Bracknell, Berkshire UK or elsewhere ?? as i didnt think Bracknell, Berkshire uk had wolves ?? yep lady on board


and i love your pics of the wolves their fantastic,keep em coming

he he yep! Bracknell Berkshire, there are sadly no wolves left in the UK at all in the wild, but these are from the wolf trust.

https://www.ukwolf.org

well worth a visit!

[chryslerchick]

Re: Intensity

thats ok then coz i thought i was def going dodally there 4 a min as its been a topic of convo here as we knew there wernt any wild wolves left in uk so couldnt understand how you kept getting such great pics of them will have a check out of the web link

[Tinka]

Re: Intensity

Hi Coupkid,
Another great pic, this one more of an environmental portrait, the background works fine for the subject, it shows what its environment is like. He sure is a beauty.