Flakes

I was going through my old snow monkey files just before I left andfound this one. For some reason - don't ask me why, I don't have aclue - I shot this at f/2.8. As a result the DOF is very shallow andI'd prefer to see more. Shutter speed was 1/320, so that shouldn'thave been the problem.

My initial reaction was to throw the shot away, but then I realizedthat I often think that we (the serious photographers) tend tooveranalyze our images, especially in a technical way. The fact thatI, or any other photographer, would prefer more DOF (or more contrast,or more sharpness, etc.) in an image does not mean that magazines,newspapers, stock agencies, print buyers or friends and family membersfeel the same way. The more specialized or professional you become,the more obsessed you get with the small details, details other(normal :-) ) people might not even notice. Just a reminder to notoveranalyze my images to death.

Anyway, I like the reflection, the pose and the snow flakes(especially the combination of the latter two) - so it will go into myselections folder, despite the shallow DOF.

Looking forward to meeting these guys again in a few days.

Greetings from sunny Tokyo!

D2X, AF-S VR 70-200/2.8, 1/320 @ f/2.8, ISO 400, handheld

[if you would like to join me on one of my photo tours and workshops,please have a look at my website]

Very good work.. With details, sharping and reflection.. Very well done.. Regards..

Marsel,

Simply fantastic!

Good exposure and lighting with vivid details (especially the eyes) and definition.

Regards,

Jim j.

Depth of this capture is enough in my opinion, and i think optimal, as more depth will reveal details of b/g and deteriorates the capture. Focus point on eye, and nice light management made this shut unbeatable for me. A great bravo and definite seven.

Hamid.

I agree hundred  percent  with you, on your opening statement. The  image, or  one  image  is  not  good  image, because  it  is  sharp, etc, it  is  good  because  the  content, the  message  to  communicate, it  is  good  because  move  the  viewers emotion in one  way or  the other. For  the composition, I would ad  more space  to the  right area. IMHO.

PDE

 good work.

I take it so as it is and I like what I see,reflection looks good and completes the image,details and snow makes this portrait attractive but most of all the eyes,compliments.

I like the pose and the snow flakes a lot too - The monkey's gaze is pretty intent, and a bit sad at the same time. Your DOF works beautifully for me, as I very much like the way the subdued snow flakes appear in the BG, above the water line. The flakes add interest to the composition, without being too intrusive, imo. Erg mooi werk, Marsel! Vriendelijke groet, Marjolein

I have to disagree with your DOF analysis.  I rather prefer the shallow DOF to help isolate the monkey.  Maybe more DOF would have brought some of the snow in the back into focus, but this way works better for me.  I agree with another poster, however, in that a little extra space to the right would help.