I shared on the discussion forum today that just over a week ago, we lost one of the most special wildlife subjects we have ever had the privilege of photographing--a beautiful fox vixen who was a truly exceptional mom. Ironically, this is the vixen that Brad recently said in a comment to one of Josiah's pictures, "Hope to see more of this fox." Well, you will, but we are still reeling from the fact we won't be seeing more of her on our regular trips to Waterton any longer. We will, however, be photographing her faithful mate and growing kits, and suspect a second den in the area is claimed by one of her offspring, so her legacy will life on.
If you would like to learn more about her story along with some anecdotes and many more pictures, Josiah, Jenaya and I posted a tribute to her on our blog this Mother's Day at http://www.launsteinimagery.com/tribute-to-a-mother/
Thanks for looking...and your comments and suggestions on this image are genuinely welcome--I want to honour her with the best work I can so don't hesitate to critique if you see something I should work further on.
Nikon D600
Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4D IF-ED
ISO 400
1/320sec @ f/4
Tripod mounted
Converted to B&W using Silver Efex Pro 2 with custom vignette fine-tuned in PS CC2014
Substantial crop to app 20% of original
Comments
9 commentsJohn, a wonderful posted image of this mother and her pup or kit. I applaud the blog write up with photos that you have about her and I took time to read it entirely first thing this morning. A really fine tribute to this fine mom.
What an incredibly sweet image that conveys so much. My only nit would be to get a bit more aggressive with the B&W. There is so much fine detail in the fur of these fox that I think you can pull out some more detail by selectively darkening some areas through a levels adjustment and/or curves
John: thanks for having posted the link to the tribute to this wonderful animal as it's a worthwhile read. This photo really captures a wonderful moment between mother and kit. I would like to see a bit more overall contrast applied as well as a light vignette to focus attention on the subjects. Richard
Compelling story and image. The look of the little one is absolutely precious. The B&W choice was a good one. It really helps with the story for me.
I think I'd like a bit more power in the image with tones. I don't know that it is contrast as much as it is some burning/dodging, and playing with some midtones and highlights. The background is great, the little one is great (with just a touch of dodging in the eyes).
These images are the reason photographers get so excited. Talk about tellling a story in one picture!! Great work John.
A wonderful image, John.
I think the lack of punch in the image is appropriate to the mood and tenderness it reveals. I see several possibilities, but nun better. You have chosen wisely on the processing IMHO. The story is very touching. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to the family blog.
Excellent work John, the perfect wildlife image for Mother's Day!
What a great tribute in your blog and image, very well done
A tender momment you captured of this pair John. Personally, I like this presentaion. I very much ejoyed your wonderful tribute to this dedicated mom. A sad but great photo-story.
Hi John,
Sad to hear about the fate of the mother. But, as you say, hopefully her legacy will carry on through the survival of her descendants.
The image you have posted here captures a very intimate moment and is very nicely composed. Together the intimacy and composition form a strong and memorable image.
I do wonder, however, about the choice here of doing a B&W conversion (and perhaps about the direction you took on the conversion). Here's my rationale: To my way of thinking, it's important that an image instantly engages the viewer and invites a both a second look as well as some lingering on the image. In this case, the tonal range of the image is so narrow (especially in how closely the female matches the background tonally and doesn't stand out) that I think a lot of folks would pass over the image initially and NOT give it the critical second look. I have no doubt that those that did look twice would linger and then the image would work. So to my eye the image is missing the "instant eye-catching" factor.
It's always tough to guess what a B&W image would look like in colour but, given the colour of most red foxes, I suspect that both mom and pup would stand out from the background much more in colour than they do here - and thus the wonderful interaction would be more instantly recognizable for what it is (and far more non-invested viewers would give the image a second look and then linger on it).
Anyway...just an alternate perspective...
Cheers...
Brad
Great moment with lots of emotional appeal !
Jagdeep Rajput