Tracy Kaminer
August 2026 - Watching and Waiting
Original
About the Image(s)
We have 30 acres of woods in Virginia. We often have a raccoon show up, tempted by whatever the bird feeder might hold. If we see one, we go out and chase it away. That was the case here, but this one didn't want to go far. He climbed a tree and decided to wait me out. Thus the title. Canon R6 Mark 2 with 100-500 lens. ISO 8000, 500 mm, f7.1 and 1/800 sec. It was late in the day, so I had to contend with a higher ISO. Since he was still, I could get away with a slower shutter speed than I would usually choose. Feedback welcome.
12 comments posted
Very cute image and a great pose. The title is terrific and adds to the image. To my eye there seemed to be a warm color cast. I decided to play with it and my first task was to attempt to remove the yellow and green from the raccoon. Since I had the raccoon already selected I added a touch of texture for sharpness. I also added some lightness to the face, sharpened the yes and darkened the lower lip a little bit. Posted: 08/01/2026 17:41:32
In looking at what I did I see a few areas that have some of the color cast. If this were mine I'd go back and do it again more carefully and maybe leave a hint of the color cast instead of so starkly white. Posted: 08/01/2026 17:43:29
I see what you mean, Mike. Thanks. I wonder how that happened. Maybe I could have tried a different white balance. It was late in the day, so that may be why the color is off. I appreciate the help. Posted: 08/01/2026 20:36:41
The detail and range of textures are wonderful. The animal is nicely framed by the tree trunk and green leaves while the intersecting branch adds tension. That expression is both playful and fearless, and the fingers on the tree trunk add an air of nonchalance to the story. Posted: 08/08/2026 16:16:02
Thank you, Judith. Posted: 08/10/2026 19:06:13
Raccoons are so naughty but so cute. Increasing the white on the racoon's fur is a good idea from Mike. That one green leaf by his whiskers is a bit distracting. I wonder if it could be erased or darkened? The branch seems to add to the feeling that he is being stealth. This is a really cute image. Posted: 08/11/2026 00:02:48
Polly, I agree about the leaf and I did play with removing it, but it just didn't work for me, so I left it. Darkening it is a thought. Thanks. Posted: 08/11/2026 11:41:29
These little guys are so adorable and can be so destructive - especially for those of us who are trying to attract birds to our yards. The first thing I noticed was the leaf poking into the frame. Lapping over fur I know it would be very difficult to remove. You could consider a very tight crop which eliminates the leaf and creates an intimate portrait. I also noted the green cast. Could it be a reflection of light on the leaves? To me, Mike's suggestions make sense if you don't want to go with the tight crop. Posted: 08/14/2026 21:23:26
Yes, the leaf was a concession I made. I tried removing it and it just didn't work. Thanks, Sharon.
Posted: 08/17/2026 20:29:51
Posted: 08/17/2026 20:29:51
I think he is saying he can wait longer then you. Racoons are cute but as Sharon said also destructive. I see the green colorcast that Mike mentioned and I like his processing to reduce it. He is surrounded by a green forest so a lot of reflection happening. I think if you try to remove the leaf by his face then I think you would need to remove the other one also. I might suggest cropping up a bit from the bottom to eliminate the out of focus leaves. I think you did a great job capturing this encounter with the vegetation and lateness of the day. Posted: 08/17/2026 02:05:31
He is indeed! Ok, I'll try the crop up. Thank you. Posted: 08/17/2026 20:30:43
Nice picture and catch of a very posed racoon. I felt when first looking at this image that it seemed a little dull in appearance but with the few simple edits that Mike suggested and presented the facial details have been enhanced and create more vibrant racoon. I also noticed the green color cast especially below the face and feel that a tighter crop a little higher than Pamela suggested would alleviate that. Posted: 08/21/2026 16:41:46