Stan Bormann, FPSA, MPSA  


Bighorn Sheep Valley of Fire by Stan Bormann, FPSA, MPSA

October 2024 - Bighorn Sheep Valley of Fire

About the Image(s)

Shot with an Olympus M1 Mark III camera and Olumpus 12-100 f/4 lens at ISO 400, 100mm, f/8.0, 1/200 sec. He was in the ditch to our right and crossed the road in front of us to pose on this hillside.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted




Stuart Ord   Stuart Ord
And a majestic pose it is, in my view.

Due to the tone of the background and that of the sheep, I don't think I'd have done my usual darkening of the background, but I wonder if a slight black vignette might add to the punch? Or even a gentle white one??   Posted: 10/07/2024 19:46:53



Chris Prior   Chris Prior
A fine animal portrait and you could not have it pose any better. Quite a handsome beast. Whether by accident or design the head placement against a break in the foliage is first class. The whole setup looks professional. Great tonal range and exquisite detail in the fur. Perfect depth of field to isolate subject from surroundings. My only concern is the loss of detail on the sheep's backside- could it be burned down or cloned from an area adjacent?   Posted: 10/08/2024 03:36:33
Stan Bormann   Stan Bormann
I can't believe I missed that was blown out. i guess I was thinking of white tail deer or something. Thanks for the comment. i don't think this is fixable and still go in Nature, but it could still be ok for some other things.   Posted: 10/14/2024 18:30:56



Jerry Snyder   Jerry Snyder
You have taken full advantage of the opportunity and created an outstanding portrait of the Bighorn sheep. Burning (darkening) the grasses would increase the contrast between the sheep and its background. Very nicely done, congratulations.   Posted: 10/12/2024 13:45:49



John Roach   John Roach
This is a Terrific portrait, Stan. I have no comments to offer since I believe it shows your skills photographer. It's so so many ways.   Posted: 10/14/2024 13:24:06



Don York   Don York
Great image! You have captured his face with eye in sharp focus and good detail in the fur and other parts of the bighorn. I might burn down the background plants to bring out the sheep more..   Posted: 10/14/2024 13:38:42



Keisha Becerra   Keisha Becerra
What a wonderful capture of this bighorn sheep-its pose is both strong and graceful. I agree with Chris that the head is perfectly placed against the break in the foliage, making it stand out beautifully. The depth of field is spot-on, keeping the focus on the sheep while subtly isolating it from the background. I also see Jerry's point about burning down the grasses; it might enhance the contrast and draw more attention to the sheep's features. The tonal range is excellent, and the textures in the fur are captured with great clarity. Well done!   Posted: 10/26/2024 08:46:03