In 2012 during our first trip to the Galapagos Islands, we captured only snapshots of the life cycles of the various species. The islands are a candy store for nature photographers as the abundance of animals pose for you while you are 8-10 feet away - - - far different than our normal nature venues. You definitely don’t need long telephoto lenses there!
I discovered this family grouping where the mother was constantly trying to corral the active pups. Then, abruptly she gave up and put down her foot ( er, flipper) down and insisted on ‘nap time' while she stood overwatch of the brood. While not completely docile, they were definitely more subdued than previously - - - and easier to compose a shot.
I decided to experiment as a monochrome of this image, having previously processed it in color. My goal was to deemphasize the water and rocks, while enhancing and leveling the brightness on the sea lions. Processed first Lightroom with standard cropping and exposure settings, then exported to Photoshop for levels adjustment and a burn and dodge layer to even the light, and reimported into Lightroom for the final conversion to B&W. Did I succeed? Taken with Canon 40D and Tamron 18-270mm set at 65mm, 1/125 sec, f/7.1 and ISO 1000.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 8 comments posted
Well done on the tonality of this image Jim! I photographed seals on Seal Island off Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia.( Google it - it is an amazing place. David Attenborough just loves it!) Due to many factors I didn't get one shot that I liked and not one without dreadful highlights on their shiny coats. So my hat is off to you Sir! Posted: 09/07/2019 00:23:03
Allen Tucker
You succeeded in deemphasizing the water and rocks, but I prefer the original framing. The seals smooth, curved forms fit their aquatic environment and contrast with the jagged rocks, a little more of these elements would add to image. Good work with the tones and textures. Posted: 09/09/2019 17:17:36
Jim Bodkin
Thanks, Allen. I will have to re-look at the cropping. In nature, you would tend to want the subject as large as possible and still acknowledge the environment. In mono PID, it is more of the overall scene. I will try it will a wider crop.
Posted: 09/10/2019 01:58:12
Jim Hagan
I prefer the color version of the photo. In my revision I increased the exposure slightly and my crop was not so tight. Posted: 09/10/2019 14:35:24
Jim Bodkin
Thanks, Jim. I see what the increased exposure does.
Posted: 09/11/2019 12:06:27
Tom Pickering
(Groups 0 & 53)
I think this works well as a mono image and you managed to emphasize the animals and de-emphasize the location. You have a nice tonal range and your exposure and focus are great. While I do think the water should be cropped out, the mother's position calls for more space to the right - your current crop is too tight there. Posted: 09/10/2019 18:29:55
Jim Bodkin
Thanks,Tom. I was trying to keep to a standard aspect ratio and balance the distance-to-subject on both the right and left edges while maximizing subjects. I will try backing-off a little next time.
Posted: 09/11/2019 12:34:12
Lisa Hlavinka
Great image Jim. I like the contrast in textures between the fur of the animals and the environment. Nice image. Posted: 09/15/2019 23:18:05
