# Out of the den (+revised) **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** wildlife\ **Created:** [September 25, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366 "2026-09-25T22:16:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![timothy3](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/timothy3/32/85670_2.png) [@timothy3](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/timothy3)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/1 "2026-09-25T22:16:09Z")
## Revised Version ### Revision 1 (latest) ![Revision 1 - IMG_7898.jpeg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/e/2/e276c3e50566ad08294f1314b3f68b1d0ac916c8.jpeg) **What changed:** Cleaned up background _Added after receiving feedback from the community._ * * * ## Original Version ![Original - IMG_7859.jpeg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/6/36e066f5c0827248244ef7482aca17009c493358.jpeg) **Critique Style:** Standard The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below. **Feedback Focus:** Artistic / Expressive ### About This Image We were in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. We were at a wild dog den that the guide had located. We could hear puppies inside the den but the guide told us that they were thought to be just under 3 weeks old so they would not come out of the den. We were enjoying the adults when suddenly the puppies started to appear! They were quite small and wobbly and the guide thought they were about 3 weeks old. Most of the time they were right at the entrance to the den but hidden behind dry brush and vegetation. Every once in a while one particular brave little puppy would come further out and gaze at us. It was very cool. Unfortunately like so many animal interactions it was late dusk and I had to push the ISO. Definitely fun to get a couple decent shots ### Feedback Requested I would love any advice on how to make the image better. Composition, framing, lighting? Thank you all so much for all your expertise and knowledge. ### Technical Details Canon R5m2 RF 100-500 ISO 10000. 500mm. f7.1. 1:1600 ---
**Author:** ![Elizabeth](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/elizabeth/32/69090_2.png) [@Elizabeth](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2026, 4:50pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/2 "2026-09-26T16:50:29Z")
He is adorable! I really like the framing, the fact he is looking right at you, and the catch lights in his eyes. I’m guessing it is the high ISO, he looks pretty good to me but I feel like I am seeing artifacts in the background. I’m not sure what to suggest but I would create a background mask and play around with reducing texture, clarity, and sharpness maybe? Maybe even try a slight blur in the background in photoshop? I am definitely not that good at this, but that is what I would try. Great shot, you nice that he ventured out for you. ---
**Author:** ![timothy3](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/timothy3/32/85670_2.png) [@timothy3](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/timothy3)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/3 "2026-09-26T20:02:05Z")
Thank you Elizabeth. I appreciate your thoughts and advice. I will definitely work on cleaning up the background​😃 ---
**Author:** ![Elizabeth](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/elizabeth/32/69090_2.png) [@Elizabeth](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/4 "2026-09-26T20:32:08Z")
Take my suggestions with a serious grain of salt, I try but I am not very good at critiquing! ---
**Author:** ![timothy3](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/timothy3/32/85670_2.png) [@timothy3](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/timothy3)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2026, 11:37pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/5 "2026-09-26T23:37:11Z")
Elizabeth, I totally appreciate what you see and what you like or don’t like. For me it’s all about seeing my photos through someone else’s eyes and I love your input. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/system/32/86481_2.png) [@system](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2026, 1:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/out-of-the-den-revised/52366/6 "2026-09-27T13:40:42Z")
The original poster added a [revised version](#post_1) of their image.