Star-crossed lovers?

I loved this pose, but the image has a somewhat muted look because it

was shot through glass. Is it offensive, or does this work?

Is difficult with a glass between you and image,better result with a CP filter to avoid reflection but with flash too is another problem,but I think to try next time with filter that can solve a part of problem.

I do like the shot, but as you say, shooting through the glass has softened the image. The reflections on the glass are also disturbing. There might be some things to help lessen these problems in some of the software. That aside I would probably do some slight vignetting on the edges to pull the eye into the subjects and tone the rocks down a little.

I like this image, Christal.  Yes, I agree it is a bit soft, but it does work and I think you captured a very fine image.  The title is appropriate as well. 

Nicely captured Christal! I think the soft focus look works well with the romantic scene. if you used a bit of vignetting to pull down the surrounding area, as someone already suggested, this would work very nicely. The Zoos are not very photographer friendly around here either.

All the best,
Neil

Charles has a valid suggestion to deal with this image.  In future you might consider one of those collapsible rubber lens hoods that can be held right on to the glass thereby eliminating any reflections in it, even, as is the case here, with the flash firing through the glass too.  Humble suggestion.  Best, LM.

Even with the soft look, this is an eye catcher just for the unique composition.  You may help reduce the effects of the glass with more contrast, some localized burning and/or selective sharpening.  Or just leave it as is, which would be fine...  Mike

Radu....sometimes I use a CP, but I didn't realize it could be used effectively in this type of setting.  I'll try it next time I go and experiment.  Thanks for the suggestion. 

Charles......I don't really mind the softness in this image, but you're right......the reflections are disturbing.  Do you see any others besides the one on the beak of the penguin on the right?  I don't have a great monitor, and it's small, so I can't tell.  The vignetting idea is a good one.  I didn't consider it because I like how the 2 rocks cross together, somewhat mimicking the pose of the penguins.  But I could do a little on the corners.  Thanks for your help.

Bill.....yeah....about the title.....I have no earthly idea how to tell a female from a male penguin, so the title is just a guess.  :-)  Glad you like it.  I also like the 'bones' of the shot.  Thanks for comment!

Neil.....yes, I'll try the vignetting.....good idea.  How I wish we had a zoo with animals in their natural habitats.  I love zoos in general and like to go often.  Occasionally I'll get lucky and get a good shot.  Good to hear from you!

Len.....I had no idea there WAS such a thing as a collapsible lens hood.  For such circumstances that would be a great thing to take along.  Thanks so much for the suggestion.  After all, Xmas is coming up!   ;-)

Mike...... I also really like the soft effect....it looks somewhat painterly.  I'll play around with this using all of your suggestions and see if I can improve it.  It takes me awhile to edit, or I would have spent more time on it before posting.  Call me lazy!  :-)  Thanks!

Best regards Christal!

PDE

Christal,

I'd say you did a good job shooting through the glass!

If you had'nt said so, probably would'nt have noticed. Well, maybe. I do think I see a bit of reflection between you and the one facing the right side of the frame.

I still like it!

Regards & Cheers,

Jim j.

Hi Christal,

  Beautiful image with wonderful colors & details.  It is hard to believe you have a glass between you.  Take care, Patsy

Jim and Patsy......glad to know that you don't find the glass too offensive and you can find something to like in this image.  I thought it was quite an unusual pose.  Thank you both!

This works very well just the way it is.  Color-wise it is superb! The bold black and white contrasts in the center as the bright beaks have their color picked up and echoed in the warm shades of the rocks.  I am adding it to my list of favorites.  

The only place where I think blur detracts is in the beak to the right.  I suspect that by defining a triangle of that beak a sharpening could be applied to that tiny place and improve it.

Regards,

Jerry

I'm honored that you would put this in your favorites.  That doesn't happen to me very often.  :-)  I can easily remove that blurred spot (water droplet on the glass pane) on the beak......just haven't done it yet.  The local zoo wants this image, and I have intended to fix it and send it off to them.  I'll try to remember to re-post when I fix it.  Thanks for your visit!