Sun-Up

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 9, 2010252 views7 comments

Texas Fox Squirrel at first light, getting his wakeup drink of water..Shot this morning. 80% of FF.
F/8, 1/200th, ISO 640, Canon 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 + Kenko 2x ext.

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on December 9, 2010 at 11:33 PM

Howard,

I can see you winning another backyard contest with this shot... really cool, love the light on the water. Too bad about that DOF

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 10, 2010 at 7:02 AM

Well I have to disagree about the DOF Luke.
I like the short DOF that isolated just the head and drinking action in a somewhat busy frame.
Got the email yesterday from Nature's Best, they want to see two full res images for that backyard photo contest you mentioned

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Macdermott on December 10, 2010 at 1:23 PM

Works for me Howard

I like the shallow DOF and the colour of the water

Registered on January 31, 2008, 15 Posts, 135 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on December 10, 2010 at 11:58 PM

Very interesting Howard! The reflected color in that water are incredible. The DOF works for me, but I do wish the scene was a bit less cluttered. Obviously that was beyond your control. Thanks for sharing a unique image.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 11, 2010 at 8:01 AM

I've gone back and removed some of the lighter bits of grass at the top..

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on December 11, 2010 at 9:02 AM

Howard, although this is admittedly a little busy, I will vote for you to keep those few stems of grass in top background!

I agree the water colors and the surface contours are special! My only thought on first examining this one was that I would crop a thin panel from the left edge, removing about half of the oof hind quarter of the squirrel. I think that would make the oof area less "heavy" and keep the squirrel's head/eye optimally placed in the frame.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 12, 2010 at 2:49 AM

Great shot Howard, I feel I'm right down there at rodent level, a great perspective not often seen. The golden water is a wonderful addition.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments