This is not the type of image I am used to normally capturing, but while out this morning I saw these two deer roll up. I composed this and captured it when they both looked up.
What technical feedback would you like if any?
I really like the separation, but I am unsure if it works as well with the background slightly blurred out even with the fog already there. I shot it at f/4.5 because it was still fairly dark, but I wonder if I shouldn’t have closed down the aperture more and bumped up the ISO.
What artistic feedback would you like if any?
Does the image do well with the slightly eerie atmosphere? Placing the deer low and left in the frame was my first choice to show off the place they were in, but does the scene balance well like this?
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I think this is pretty cool. The deer make this image.
I think the depth of field works well with the fog. It adds to the atmosphere and isolates the deer.
I think perhaps you are struggling with if it is a wildlife image or a landscape with wildlife in it? The depth of field kind of rules out landscape, IMO, since the deer are in focus and the landscape isn’t. Usually the subject is in focus.
I think I’d crop the top and right 25% to emphasize the deer but not so much to remove the larger scene. Let the landscape tell the story of the deer.
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I love this Kyle! This is a beautiful landscape on its own, and the deer really make it extra special. Nicely captured!
You might tone down the brightest parts just a bit, and/or brighten the dear a tad to bring them out. I’m not sure that it is actually tilted, but it feels like it might benefit from a bit of a clockwise rotation?
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Kyle, I like this a lot and the depth of field is appropriate. I strive to create this type of images with my wildlife images but it’s very hard to make a good one; tight portrait with a 500mm is often the easier path. You are very successful here.
My only comment is about leveling the shrubs/grass. It looks a little crooked now, perhaps a slight rotation and a slight warping will do the trick.
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You could add this to this week’s Weekly Challenge as it breaks the rule-of-thirds rule.
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I think it’s a great image! I agree with darkening the brighter area at the top a bit as that really pulls the eye right now. I’m torn on rotating the image a bit; my initial impression was it’s a bit crooked but once I took the full scene in it doesn’t really look off kilter.
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Kyle,
A wonderful moment - captured and composed perfectly. No nits or suggestions.
Lon
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I like this a lot, Kyle! This is a great animalscape that evokes mystery and curiosity. The fog obviously adds the element of mystery, but as a viewer I’m also curious what has captured the attention of the deer (other than the photographer!). Nicely done!
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