Untitled

I think the out-of-focus nose adds to the perception of closeness, as though despite the photographer's best efforts, the unpredictable meerkat had to get closer yet to check out the camera-photographer pair.

 

I've been shooting only pinhole for a few months, so I am relaxing my expectations of DOF and perfection. If everyone shot perfect photos, I'd be bored. I like variation and character in an image, that give it personality.

 

I guess I'm the only one who was afraid of the meerkats.

I think the out of focus nose is ok, the background detail on the sand is essential for the picture and the photographer has made an excellent compromise here. Besides, the eyes are sharp. This photo has a lot of feeling.

I agree with Janet (Oct 31) it is cute, and so appeals. The nose being out of focus shows the animal's proximity more, likewise the vignetting, I feel. The composition is great, and the 'earthy' look, and dirt on nose, gives it a genuine / authentic feel, rather than an aritifical set up and capture... making it more candid. I love it.

I couldn't resist it, I am afraid - when the discussion was raging a week or two ago I realised the only way to actually settle it one way or the other, with regards to the fuzzy nose, was to email National Geographic, advise them of the discussion on photo.net, and ask if they would perhaps have time to cast an eye.

I wasn't really expecting a response, but LO ! this popped into my inbox last week whilst I was away :-

Thank you for contacting the National Geographic Society.

I spoke with one of our photo editors regarding the meerkat image to whichyou refer. Her response was this:

I am not sure if this particular image would be published, but the issueis whether or not the nose would be the deciding factor. I would say thatas long as the eyes and the bulk of the critter is sharp, I could overlookthe soft nose. If an image is truly compelling - in terms of compositionand content - we will overlook a slight lack of technical perfection. Ofcourse, some photographers use blur to their advantage!

I hope this response will be helpful.

-Julie CrainNational Geographic Society

An excellent post and answer to conclude with a still subjective but at least a decider's opinion!

]:@*

I think there is more to say about the subject ... These meerkats are charming (as it seems meerkats always are) but also rather scary. These are tough, tough little folks -- though these particular ones have decided that humans are not dangerous -- and want to investigate everything. I'm sure you could have made a cuter photograph with a long lens but it would not have been as satisfying as this; I like it very much.

Wonderful shot, I just love these little guys

What I love about this photograph is the contrast between the two creatures' expressions which, combined with their postures and distance from the lens - and hence, the viewer - convey two entirely different characters: one somber-faced and courageous, the other curious but scared (scaredy cat, more than meerkat!). Through framing and DOF, the picture establishes a firm and very engaging relationship with the beholder - I could look at this every day and it would never fail to tickle my curiosity and raise a smile.

 

The dirty, out of focus, nose is in my view, an integral element of this image's comunicativeness; it reminds us that we are indeed looking through someone else's eyes, and through a particular medium; as such, it seems to retain a type of honesty lacking in the NG pictures which are of necessity illustrative, rather than communicative. Put differently, this image does not attempt nor pretend to be objective; it is openly, unashamedly subjective and it works a treat!

 

Love it! Thank you for sharing

great photo! Can you teach me ;) ?