WILDLIFE FOR PN014

All C&C and ratings are quite welcome. As a serious hobbyist trying to

improve, I appreciate any ideas on how this shot would be better. Will

try to return the favor. Thanks

Hi Dave....a few suggestions on how this image could be a little bit better. Very tight framing,  the legs of your subject are almost cut off. Very wide DOF, which means that the background by not being blurred distracts the viewer's attention without adding aesthetically at all. Passport-like, dull body position. Always try to avoid record animal shots where no emotion, behaviour or any kind of activity is displayed. Regards from Greece, Teo

Hi Dave,

Good looking subject.

I am amazed as to how close you got to this animal. I saw that a  110 mm lens was used, as my first thought was a longer telephoto lens.

Using F/11 always compromises lens performance unless the lens needs to be stopped down for its sub par quality. You would also gain more isolation on the subject and better settings for the ISO and shutter speed settings.

Best Regards,  Mike

Theodore, Thanks for your helpful suggestions. They are all valid and I will keep them in mind when next shooting wildlife. I went to your portfolio and could see immediately what you are telling me through your own examples. You have some really wonderful wildlife shots. Again thanks for your honesty and helpfulness.

Mike, thanks for the f stop concept. I see I tend to favor large DOF - a beginner's mistake that I thank you for helping me see and correct.

Both Teo and Mike have given excellent comments (from which I too have learned).

My 2cents worth is............. I generally shoot wildlife with some surrounding habitat. If the subject is tack-clear then one can always crop to create the desired presentation. This prevents the occurance of a lost foot or ear or horn.

Notwithstanding the DoF issue, the subject here is very sharp, with eye-highlight to boot....... well done for that.

Regards 

Grayham, thanks for the idea to shoot larger then crop. I always appreciate ways to improve.