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Can I Get Some Help Here
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Can I Get Some Help Here

by Ralph Kerr

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 16, 2013723 views8 comments
A photo from Feb 12, 2013, YNP in a light snow storm. Wolf is from Canyon Pack, checked out these 2 Bison and is looking back at his (her) pack as none of them followed, thus my photo title. I know this is centered horizontally. My intent is to have space for the Bison to walk into, and at the same time show space for the Wolf to look into. Interested in all comments, but here, especially your thoughts on this composition.

1DIV, EF 600 + 1.4, ISO800, f14, 1/250, Exp Comp +2, Bean Bag Car Window, Photoshop Shadows and Highlights

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Martin Dunn on August 16, 2013 at 8:47 AM
Interesting shot Ralph.
As far as the composition goes I am sure there will be many differing views - here's mine:
Whilst I can understand why you kept the clean white snow in the foreground I do think it has the effect of making your subjects darker and harder to see clearly. Even though the bushes behind the subjects are messy I think I would have included a bit more at the top and a bit less at the bottom of the image (assuming you have it to play with)
I would also experiment with a panoramic crop to see if you can retain your space on the sides whilst getting closer to the subjects.
Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments
Comment posted by John Neukirch on August 16, 2013 at 10:15 PM
Ralph, I find it hard to believe that you have not gotten more comments on this post. I think this is an exquisite image that would look exceptional printed and hanging on a wall. As a naturalist first, photographer second this image just gives me goose bumps. Way to go! :toast:
Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments
Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on August 16, 2013 at 10:41 PM
I bet this does not happen often, those bison don't seem to be in a big hurry to get out of there !
Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on August 17, 2013 at 1:49 AM
Actually Ralph I like the grass showing through the snow in the bottom of the photo, that gives a bit of balance to the rest of the composition. I can appreciate the space you have left, and it does tell a story. I am amazed at how huge that wolf is compared to the bison. Great story and well told.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 17, 2013 at 1:59 AM
Awesome behavior and inter-action going here between the wolf and bison. The large version is especially nice. I like the open foreground and bits of grass poking through the snow. But, I'm with Martin and wonder how this would look as a panoramic with the animals in the same position in the frame.

A rare experience for humans to see at close range, for sure. :toast: Awesome Photo Ralph!!!
Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments
Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 17, 2013 at 1:03 PM
That must have been a most interesting sighting Ralph. I actually like the inclusion of the grasses at the bottom too much to even consider a pano crop .
Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on August 18, 2013 at 1:24 AM
Funny title Ralph, makes light of the age old predator-prey dance. I think I would prefer a little MORE room at the top, but very good composition as is. Agree with Vincent that the grass poking up through the snow at the bottom is a positive. Won't be too long before the ground is covered in the white stuff again... :wink:
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Clinch on August 25, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Great capture of a wild moment, it is almost a let down when the wolf doesn't chase. I think the composition works very well to tell the story. As previously noted, the grasses in the FG providing a good anchor for the image. And as mentioned a bit more on top might be beneficial. The pano idea is also well worth trying.
Registered on January 5, 2013, 37 Posts, 261 Comments