Madison Cool Off

Jack,

The elk looks great, wonderful exposure, nice eye contact and head turn. The elk in water is unique and makes a nice background. My only nit is the rock on the left, and the far stream bank on top are distracting. Crop them out and I think you have a really strong image.

I agree with Jared, although id take it a step further and try to eliminate all of the side elements so you just have the elk and water--that would have the most impact IMO.

Hi Jack, another vote here for eliminating the distracting elements... Of course I do not know the shooting situation, but if it were at all possible repositioning to get an unobstructed view, combined with a lower angle and possibly a closer view (zooming in) could potentially make a much stronger image.

Nice details, and a good bull. Cut a bit of the upper, and left side, and will perfect / Or, next time let the wider surroundings be. Good shot!

I really like the capture of the big bull up to his belly in the Madison. Nice pose and head turn. I tend to agree with Jared on the crop.

This is a small crop off the top and the left side. Hope that this is what everyone is suggesting. It does clean the picture up.

Hi Jack,

I agree with the comments of most of the others re: the distracting elements and think your repost is considerably better. Are you comfortable with selective exposure adjustments? If so, pull down the exposure on the water by about 1/2 stop (and possibly a little more) and watch that elk just POP! Trust me...(it's my opinion that in about 99% of the images of animals in water the photographer/image editor leaves the water too bright). And, dang, there's go one of my best kept secrets - don't tell anyone!

Cheers...

Brad

Thanks Brad for the suggestion. This is the repost with your input. You are right, the elk stands out better with the darker back ground.