The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I recently wrapped up a couple of winter Yellowstone tours. It was a fantastic trip for foxes in the park interior, where we saw multiple individuals (as many as six in a day) and had a lot of different types of photo opportunities with them. This individual decided to curl up for a nap following a hunting session.
It parked itself on a small slope beneath us, which was nice. The background was seriously chewed up (the foxes liked to hunt where bison had been tromping around in the snow), and by putting the foreground edge of snow in front of most of the subject, I had my excuse to overexpose the lighter tones and wash out the background. The final touch was finding a furrow where a bison had walked through… it gave sort of a porthole to show off just enough of the fox’s face, completing the portrait.
Technical Details
Canon R5
Canon 600mm
ISO 800
1/8000th
f/4
Critique Template
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I thought this was done entirely in processing until I read your description. Wild canines are always great subjects, and I like how you took advantage of the photo opportunity and made it into this unique portrait.
A very interesting description of how you went about taking this shot Max. Thanks for sharing that.
It’s all come together very nicely, what a great shot.
I thought this was done entirely in processing until I read your description.
Jim, I can’t blame you. Seems like we’ve been overrun with added vignettes (especially dark ones) that folks use to “spotlight” their subjects. But I’ve never really been into adding or removing elements from a scene in post. I don’t mind getting a bit more artsy in black and white—I’ll probably share a few examples from this trip here at some point—but even then I’m reluctant to go overboard with the edits.
A beautiful image of the fox! I also got home from Yellowstone a few weeks ago, was there Jan 24, for a week. Did the interior for two days. Saw many foxes and had two “three dog days” in a row. Such an amazing amazing place, I love it in the winter. Magical. Foxes are my absolute favorite animal, then the buffs. Love your imagine Max!
Beautiful image, Max. Having shot Yellowstone in winter, I understand and appreciate both the fantastic wildlife image opportunities as well as the challenges. Based on your description of composing the image, you did a great job working the scene to create a very pleasing photo, and the high-key approach works really well here.
What an exceptional image, Max. Your preparation enabled to make the image I’m sure you imagined in your head. Terrific detail, color and mood. I love the snow flakes too. Just so much to love about this one.
