more from the zoo

[Rita]

I went back to the zoo today to see what I could capture. Here are 3 of them.

C&C always welcomed.

1. Not as good as I had hoped for



2. An Elk having a drink.



3. I love the hair do

[Nicks Pics]

#1 is a very nice composition. As for quality, it's good, but I still detect a little of that "this is just a photograph" look to it that Is really what we're trying to defy throughout the PP process. #2 is probably my favorite due to the real-life appearance, and it's interesting anyway. #3... He just takes the cake with that hair do all other considerations aside!

Looking back, I would add that I think a touch more contrast would make #2 even better.

You kept the zoo out of your photos well.

[IzzieK]

Rita I lingered most on #1 because I like the way you took this one spot on -- the antlers on this animal is magnificent really -- just look at the lower pointy edge of all of them, some got the colours from the foreground, greenish in nice way sort of emphasizing the shapes. #2 looks like a real big animal...nothing to be excited about -- just seems natural that way. I am most fascinated by the two dimples on its head. It looks cute. In #3 -- real funky style of hairdo -- it looks almost funny but elegant coming from that bird. Wonder how a woman looks like that kind of hat on a Racing cup carnival event? Just thinking out loud...

[Rita]

Nick, you have put into words what it is that I don't like about #1. I am going away for a few days but I will see if I can improve it when I get back. #2 I will try your suggestion of more contrast. When I am at the zoo I go to great lengths to avoid having those ugly wire fences in the shots so that the animals can look as natural as possible . Appreciate your feedback.

Izzie, it was the antlers that caught my attention on #1, they were a massive set. I wish the lighting had been better for the image. You are right on #2, it is a very large animal. I think the 2 dimples are where antlers will be growing from.
#3 I didn't think of a hat but I sure thought of the resemblence to how my hair looks when I wake up in the mornings

[Nicks Pics]

we shall see if anyone else has any particular suggestions how t improve #1, perhaps it can be done. Though looking back at it now, on what I think is a better screen, what looked like dullness, now looks like perhaps it is really the effects of morning haze and sun, at least in part. Were there such conditions at the time?

[Shadowman]

2nd and third are quite good, first is fine, a bit too much exposure perhaps.

[Rita]

Nick, it is possible that there was some haze. It was also difficult, at least for me, lighting. Most of the animal was in quit dark shade but the sun was shining nots back. I see some PP practice coming up on this one. Figure I can't lose by playing with it and if nothing works then oh well, I can say I tried


Thanks John, I will play with that idea too.

[Wavelength]

They are zooper Look like natural habitat

[NorthernFocus]

As previously mentioned you did an excellent job of making the captures location neutral. No way to recognize a zoo setting. I agree with prior comments regarding the first shot needing some PP to realize its potential. Backlit shots like that can really be interesting though technically challenging. The "hairdo" is crazy.

[Rita]

Nandakumar, thank you.

Dan, thanks for commenting. I will be away until the weekend but when I come home I will work on the images some more. Worse case scenario, I will have an excuse to go back and try again .

[deetheturk]

Very nice Rita, well done!

[Rita]

Thanks David,

[Manfred M]

Rita - might I suggest that you visit the zoo on an overcast day and try shooting then?

I find that diffuse light and the lack of harsh shadows often results in better animal shots. The fur and facial features somehow look better when shot in these conditions.

[Rita]

Hi Manfred, I will be going back to re shoot. Totally agree that a cloudy day will be much better.

[Nicks Pics]

I agree that direct sunlight can make poor conditions in some situations, but sunlight can be nice to capture in animal photos other times. Dim lighting can make photos not very crisp. Perhaps somewhere between overcast and direct sun is often preferable, unless a particular lighting is being used to some significance in the photo.

[Brownbear]

Hi Rita,

Just to say, well done! I adore the 2nd image and also love the hairdo on the peacock. Perhaps I will have to make the long journey to Abbotsford one day!

[Rita]

Thank you Christina. The bird with the "do" isn't a peacock. Each time I am there I looked to see the name of it and then forget what it is when I get home. One day I will get smart and right it down while I am there

[Brownbear]

Always a pleasure. I especially love the moment captured in the 2nd image.

It seems that the mystery bird has disappeared. I will review my birds and look up peacocks.

Thank you Christina. The bird with the "do" isn't a peacock. Each time I am there I looked to see the name of it and then forget what it is when I get home. One day I will get smart and right it down while I am there