Stag Gaze

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 11, 201295 views5 comments

I've really mulled over whether I should post this stag's pose. It's the same one in a previous posting, but I really like how this one came out...EXCEPT for the missing legs...which were behind some brush...BUT, I guess I could've included some of the brush.

Canon EOS 60D
Lens: Sigma DG 120-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 APO OS HSM
Focal Length: 400mm
f 16
Shutter 1/250
ISO 400
Monopod

Cropped about 30%

Comments and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on March 11, 2012 at 2:58 PM

Nice sharp photo of this stag. If it were mine I would try for a tighter crop and try to compos as a vertical instead of horizontal. May be hard to do with the spread of this guys antlers. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on March 11, 2012 at 3:18 PM

Nothing wrong with a lack of legs; it's when the subject is cut at the knees or virtual ankles. My nits—the eyes are in dead shadow, with almost no definition, due to the harsh overhead light; and the very busy background that f/16 supplied for you. Somewhere between f/8 and f/11 would have subdued all the branches. I do like the proud bearing of the stag, and the overall detail.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 11, 2012 at 6:24 PM

hello Mark

Very sharp & detailed. I like the crop as is. What time of day?

His eyes are intense but somewhat squinted. & lacking definition. Eyes are so black ...if it were my image, i would see about trying to bring up detail still available in his eye if there is any?

TFS

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 12, 2012 at 1:47 PM

Hi Mark, I like the strong & proud pose here. Other have already brought up good critiques and suggestions which I won't repeat.

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 15, 2012 at 12:11 PM

Exposure looks excellent. If you had gone for a wider aperture you could have rendered much of that background softer/out of focus. I too, wish for eye detail. Regarding legs, sometimes it is better to add space for "virtual" legs, even if they are not fully visible in the actual situation, to avoid a sense of cramping the animal with the edges of the frame.

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