The pounce

Image Critiques Wildlife Critiques
1

As shot WB

20241010-_DSC3530-Enhanced-NR-Edit-Edit-2
20241010-_DSC3530-Enhanced-NR-Edit-Edit-22000×1485 1.77 MB

Warmed up

20241010-_DSC3530-Enhanced-NR-Edit-Edit.jpg
20241010-_DSC3530-Enhanced-NR-Edit-Edit.jpg2000×1485 2.03 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

This image was taken in the Fall of last year in Yellowstone on a cold morning. The grasses have frost on them and the sun has not yet come up. There were two of us pulled off the side of the road in Hayden Valley watching this coyote pounce on and catch 7 voles in about 20 minutes. Incredible hunters. I had no idea. This one had a lot of bluish color in his fur and was also missing a portion of it’s left ear. I actually desaturated this image because the grasses were so prominent. All of the coyotes I saw on this trip were very healthy looking and had beautiful fur coats.

Specific Feedback

Did I reduce the colors too much?
Do the dark patches right behind the coyotes back and tail pull your eye? I could dodge them but I didn’t.
Is there enough room in the frame? I cropped and have more room if necessary.

Technical Details

Nikon Z9, 400mm lens with built in 1.4 converter, shot at 560mm, ISO 2000, 1/1250th, f/4

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2

Gorgeous!! Wonderful action caught just right. The warmed-up version is more what we expect in daylight, but with the frost on the grasses I think you could successfully revert to the original colors, with maybe a tweak of vibrance or saturation. Their subtlety works as a counterpoint to the action, and does say frosty morning.

This one is so nice, anything works for me!

1 Like
3

What a great image! I’m really liking the “as shot” version of this image. I love the pounce.
Nothing I would change here.

1 Like
4

Honestly both versions are excellent. I probably like the ‘as shot’ one a tiny bit better for the contrast in the coyote’s coat. I’m not bothered by the slightly darker areas you mentioned. I really wouldn’t change anything in either version, they’re gorgeous.

1 Like
5

Thanks for comments @glennie, @Diane_Miller, @debbie_campbell.
Since this was shot before the sun came up, there was a cool color tone to the image. I think either color space works but I think I prefer the cooler tones showcasing the coldness of the morning and the earliness of the morning. It also works better for the frost on the grasses. Thanks for taking the time to view this image. It helps me to see more clearly what other appreciate. Thanks again!

6

Truthfully, I enjoyed the as shot image more than the saturated version. It has a high key quality that suits the cold early morning frost.

1 Like
7

Excellent image, Dave - great action, very nice detail, and clear bright eye.
I also prefer the cooler version, as it emphasizes the cold and frost.
Sweet!

1 Like
8

I love the action and pose too ! One more vote for cooler version, you may boost the contrast a touch.

9

David: Both versions capture the peak moment and either one would make a great print. One option to consider would be to add a vignette or a mild linear gradient to the foreground. Excellent as is though.