Moose with a shadow problem

[Downrigger]

I was pleased to find this fellow after a lengthy trek. I like this head-on shot, but the shadows on his face are a major flaw. Nothing to do, I suppose? (But wait) Illustrates the agony and ecstasy of wildlife - they call most of the shots, literally.

Also illustrates the problem of making a shot look level when the vegetation has lean - but the Gambel Oaks on this slope are just as shown.

[Marie Hass]

Hi, Mark.

I think you clearly identified the problem with this shot, but still it is testimonial to a glorious animal. it also looks a bit over-exposed.

I live in West by God Virginia, where nothing is straight - and everything is on the hills. So I understand what it is to try to get some kind of level. LOLs

Marie

[Downrigger]

Hi, Mark. I live in West by God Virginia, where nothing is straight - and everything is on the hills.

Thanks - perhaps I should tone it down a bit - I was shooting at +1EV for the snow and there was a lot of harshness and glare and I may have lost track tuning in LR. Lived in WV for 13 glorious years - wish I'd been shooting then - full time job problem.

[chauncey]

The shadow problem can be "fixed" in PS with a lot of work...not sure that the image justifies it though.

[Downrigger]

not sure that the image justifies it though.

Right - I have some other images of this without the shadow problem - but they're none of them very interesting or strong, either.

[Wavelength]

Be positive; think this way "A shadow with a moose advantage"
I really like it; some times such things add more naturality.....i liked it

[Manfred M]

Unfortunately, a bright sunny day is not ideal for wildlife photography. Cloudy days may not be great for landscape work; but are wonderful for showing the detail of wildlife. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about the shooting conditions during these random encounters with the wildlife..

[tbob]

Neither the shadow nor the tilted shrubs are an overwhelming detriment to the subject. Weighing the pros and cons of taking a shot like this I would always elect to shoot it. Hell, I probably wouldn't even weigh them just go for it.

The angled shrubs may actually be a benefit as they add dynamic elements to the image. Looks very natural as well. I would expect to see a moose in bent and angled willows in my part of the world.

[Downrigger]

Thanks, Nandakumar... I looked at it again and it's improved by your reinterpretation. Trevor and Manfred provide useful remarks - too bright a day and no choice but to shoot. These are not that common here, and I was just glad to have the chance. Here's the one I thought worked a little better:

[tbob]

Much better angle and view. Can you slightly reduce the bright spot on the flank and thigh in post processing? Otherwise I quite like this one

[Downrigger]

OK Trevor. Thank you! - I thought I liked the gleam of that clean coat, but I think you're right - it looks better with some exposure off with the adjustment brush. Re-cropped too, to give him room to move.

[tbob]

Much better.
Always good to give a moose an escape route!

[Marie Hass]

Very much better!!!!! You have done well with making white snow, white - and he is a very handsome beast!!!!!

Marie

[NorthernFocus]

You definitely had technically challenging lighting there. Head on shots of moose typically aren't their best angle in the base case much less with the lighting conditions you had. I agree the second shot is nice and would have been a bit better if he would have glanced a bit more your direction. One thing about wildlife photography is that you can't dictate the composition. But it looks like you had fun!

[Downrigger]

Thanks, Marie, and good points, Dan. Yes, fun just to be there and try...

[Shadowman]

Very nice, seems to have an attitude problem also.

[IzzieK]

I like the pose of the first one best...but for the shadow...