Big Ocean

Luke: I like the pose of this seal. There is some glare in the water - did u use a CLP?

Gary,

No I did not. I do not own a CLP

Luke, I REALLY like this shot. I think the composition is great and I like the DOF. I'm debating wether I like the water in the foreground out of focus to emphasize the seal, or if you could have brought it up to f/11 or even a tad higher to bring the foreground in focus, but I actually like the out of focus foreground in this image... This is my favorite of the seal series because of the very simple but effective composition.

This is cool Luke and aesthetically very appealing. I like the DOF as is, but wonder if a bit more room on top and less at the bottom would maybe enhance the presentation of this image.

Great pose Luke, agree with Vincent about the crop.

Very nice! Great pose and composition.

D&L

You have to love this photo! Great job Luke.

He is fine to my eye, Luke. I like where he is located in the frame.

Hi Luke,

I like the simplicity of the image. I tend to prefer not having 2 out-of-focus zones in a single photograph, but in this case the water is so featureless and the out-of-focus "bands" aren't particularly harsh or abrupt, so the moderately shallow DOF works just fine for me in this case. On my monitor the version posted above seems to have a slight sharpening halo around it (but it's not really visible on the larger version).

RE: Joe's comment on the CPL. As on old film guy, I used to carry lots of filters, but nowadays the polarizer is about the only one I carry and use - not only will it help to cut the reflections glare of water (or wet leaves), but it gives you a "faux" ND which can be useful on today's modern dSLR's. If you're going to shoot seals more in the future you might find it a useful tool.

Cheers...

Brad

Brad,

Thank you for your comments regarding the filter. I looked them up and while they are expensive it's a reasonable cost considering the results can not be duplicated in post processing (to my knowledge). I will probably not get one for my next few attemps at seals but I plan on doing a few whale watching trips this summer and of course I will be trying to spend more time with the seals next winter and the filter should improve my shots.

- Luke

That's an interesting pose he is giving you! I like the crop and the comp. Was he moving around when you took this or was he holding that position. Most seals I have seen pictured on rocks look much more relaxed than this. That must be the worlds smallest island he has staked out there.

Robert,

The seal was either in the middle of adjusting or had just dodged a larger wave before returning to a more relaxed position. It should be noted however, that this species will sit in the "Banana" position for extended periods of time while relaxing and lounging on the beach or rocks.

- Luke