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Thread: Moose with a shadow problem

  1. #1
    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Moose with a shadow problem

    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.

    Moose with a shadow problem

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    Marie Hass's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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

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    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    Quote Originally Posted by Marie Hass View Post
    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.

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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

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

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    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    Quote Originally Posted by chauncey View Post
    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.

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    Wavelength's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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

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    Moderator Manfred M's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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..

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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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.

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    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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:

    Moose with a shadow problem

  10. #10
    tbob's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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

  11. #11
    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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.

    Moose with a shadow problem
    Last edited by Downrigger; 4th January 2014 at 04:09 PM.

  12. #12
    tbob's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

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

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    Marie Hass's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

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

    Marie

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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    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!

  15. #15
    Downrigger's Avatar
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

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

  16. #16
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

    Very nice, seems to have an attitude problem also.

  17. #17
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    Re: Moose with a shadow problem

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

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