Intermountain West Wildlife
Feb 23, 2020 17:22:44 #
Since going digital in 2012, I have taken more and more wildlife shots. It has been a real learning experience and recently, I have felt good about the overall results. Here are three: I would be appreciate comments that will help me improve.
The first is one of two mountain goats, taken at Beartooth Pass in far northern Wyoming in early September. Driving down the west summit, I saw a heard of goats and stopped to photograph them. As I was getting ready, a growing number of people disturbed the goats and they started to leave. Two stopped to take a look at me and the first shot is the result. The order of pictures is wrong: #1 actually is #3; #2 is actually and #1 is actually #3. Sorry for the confusion
The second was taken north of Lake McDonald in Glacier NP. I was quietly making my way along a trail and saw this spike buck feeding. The lighting in the dense forest to me was striking and I was so pleased he didn't seem to mind my presence.
The third was on the Hidden Lake trail in Glacier NP. I had intended to hike to Hidden Lake, but rangers closed the trail past the overlook due to grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon. There were a number of goats and I had to wait until they sorted themselves out into a group I could photograph. The weather was interesting, windy an cold, even in July. These goats were starting to shed, unlike the ones in the first picture.
The first is one of two mountain goats, taken at Beartooth Pass in far northern Wyoming in early September. Driving down the west summit, I saw a heard of goats and stopped to photograph them. As I was getting ready, a growing number of people disturbed the goats and they started to leave. Two stopped to take a look at me and the first shot is the result. The order of pictures is wrong: #1 actually is #3; #2 is actually and #1 is actually #3. Sorry for the confusion
The second was taken north of Lake McDonald in Glacier NP. I was quietly making my way along a trail and saw this spike buck feeding. The lighting in the dense forest to me was striking and I was so pleased he didn't seem to mind my presence.
The third was on the Hidden Lake trail in Glacier NP. I had intended to hike to Hidden Lake, but rangers closed the trail past the overlook due to grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon. There were a number of goats and I had to wait until they sorted themselves out into a group I could photograph. The weather was interesting, windy an cold, even in July. These goats were starting to shed, unlike the ones in the first picture.
Feb 23, 2020 18:04:01 #
You are fortunate to live not too far away from such scenes. My time in Idaho is largely limited to the Sawtooth area, Bear Valley, Middle Fork of the Salmon, etc.
As to your question, in the order they are posted: I would crop the right side some to eliminate some of the dead space behind the kid; In the second, of the pair, I think you missed the focus a bit. The basalt is sharper than the goats. Try and focus on the eyes; In the third you caught some great light but find it somewhat over saturated. But admittedly I try to be pretty conservative with that slider. A little goes a long way.
That’s my take and just my personal view. I think you’re fortunate to have recorded these three. Keep at it. I enjoyed them all.
As to your question, in the order they are posted: I would crop the right side some to eliminate some of the dead space behind the kid; In the second, of the pair, I think you missed the focus a bit. The basalt is sharper than the goats. Try and focus on the eyes; In the third you caught some great light but find it somewhat over saturated. But admittedly I try to be pretty conservative with that slider. A little goes a long way.
That’s my take and just my personal view. I think you’re fortunate to have recorded these three. Keep at it. I enjoyed them all.
Feb 23, 2020 19:18:59 #
Feb 23, 2020 21:37:32 #
Feb 24, 2020 09:03:30 #
Your goat shots are wonderful. Really nice captures. Thanks for sharing those beauties.
Feb 24, 2020 09:11:07 #
Tdearing
Loc: Rockport, TX
My only critique would be that you only posted 3, and I want to see more. Terrific shots, thanks for sharing.
Feb 24, 2020 10:07:53 #
Feb 24, 2020 10:13:23 #
Feb 24, 2020 14:32:07 #
Feb 24, 2020 22:29:13 #
Feb 26, 2020 19:16:26 #
While I am very fond of the spike buck shot, I did go back and make a new version that is a little less saturated. I try not to go overboard in post-processing and the first photo is right on the edge. I do feel it captured the mood of the time and place. So here is a slightly less saturated version. Is this more what you had in mind.
The photo of the goats in Beartooth Pass was taken when I had had my first digital camera for two weeks. I see what you mean, but between being not totally familiar with the autofocus and concerned that the gathering crowd would spook these two, as well, it is a bit less than optimally sharp. Still, it pleases me, even with the imperfection.
Thanks for your comments!
The photo of the goats in Beartooth Pass was taken when I had had my first digital camera for two weeks. I see what you mean, but between being not totally familiar with the autofocus and concerned that the gathering crowd would spook these two, as well, it is a bit less than optimally sharp. Still, it pleases me, even with the imperfection.
Thanks for your comments!
Feb 26, 2020 19:23:05 #
I too think this second version of the spike is superior. The natural light you caught was an outstanding moment. This version looks realistic to my eye. I know exactly what you speak of regarding the challenge of getting started with digital processing. I struggled mightily. I can tell you that now a couple years later I’m no longer wanting bang my head against the wall. Happy trails, keep it up.
Paul
Paul
Feb 26, 2020 19:31:58 #
Feb 26, 2020 19:32:38 #
Feb 26, 2020 19:33:50 #
Thanks!! I was so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. And, I think I am starting to learn my craft better.
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