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WC#517 - Winter Buck

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted January 19, 2012360 views7 comments

I'm not sure if this is the best example I have in my files, but it was the first example that came to mind when I saw this week's challenge (probably because I just created these pictures last month). The original image (below) was the first I took of this buck in this beautiful snowfall. My daughters and I had spotted him from the road as he crossed an open area near a frozen lake and I bailed out and got a couple shots.

As soon as I squeezed off the first sequence I knew it wasn't quite what I was after (never mind the OOF picnic table in the background), particularly because we were most interested in getting photos of deer with snow falling around them, and the white background didn't emphasize that whatsoever (although it did help make the buck stand out nicely).

I quickly sidestepped a few yards to my right to put the nearby aspen forest behind him, dropped my monopod down for a little better angle and captured this image.

The elapsed time between the two pictures is about 15sec and the distance about 15ft, but they end up being two dramatically different images. I think the snowflakes really pop against the forest tones, and the lower camera angle helps give the buck presence.

Both are cropped to approximately 70% of original FF.

Nikon D7000
Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/4 IF-ED
ISO 800
1/400sec @ f/4
+0.7 EV

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on January 19, 2012 at 11:42 PM

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Varina Patel on January 20, 2012 at 7:19 AM

This is an excellent example, John. The difference between the two shots is stunning, and I think it teaches a pretty important lesson. The first shot you took is a nice photograph of an elk. But the second is a work of art. Sometimes the difference between the two is as simple as a quick thought about what you want to capture. Once you know what you want, you can work with the elements in front of you to create a photograph that shows us what you see in your mind. The difference between a master and a hobbyist isn't making money, or having a large number of fans, or having your work in galleries. It's what goes on in your head when you are building a photograph. This is a great shot. Masterfully done. Congratulations!

Registered on August 22, 2008, 45 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on January 20, 2012 at 1:18 PM

Great example for the theme. The first image above is far stronger with the lower angle and more natural background. The eye contact is better too in the first.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by RL Potts on January 20, 2012 at 2:42 PM

Excellent. This guy looks really pumped. The finished version looks better in every way, except for the snowball between the antler and ear. I wish that ear had been a little different. You have perfect light for a portrait. The snow flakes are super in the top image.

Registered on November 24, 2003, 188 Posts, 985 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on January 20, 2012 at 3:15 PM

Really an excellent image John. You just nailed it. The buck was really cooperative and you took full advantage of the opportunity. Very nice detail, great pose, and composition. The falling snow adds a lot to this. And the hot breath steaming out of his nostrils is anothoer great plus. Although some might have considered your first one good enough, taking the extra time for an even better image paid off. Congratulations.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 21, 2012 at 11:23 AM

Amazing what a few steps do! The first post is a magazine cover shot. With the different background it looks like there's a significant change in the color temperature that's a major improvement.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 26, 2012 at 1:32 PM

Excellent photos and a perfect example for the theme!
Congrats on the WP!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments