Melanie Hurwitz  


Zebra by Melanie Hurwitz

November 2024 - Zebra

November 2024 - Melanie Hurwitz

Original

About the Image(s)

We have just returned from a most wonderful trip to East Africa. We visited Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. We have been on many safaris and this one stands out as probably the best. One has to be lucky with animal sightings and we were very lucky.
Using IR is not a go to on Safari as one is usually photographing action and there is just not time to pick up the IR camera. I tried to make an effort to take more than just scenic infra red this time. The Zebra were against a beautiful sky, so IR was the way to go.
After converting with a Life Pixel action, the scene looked almost like a color shot, and viewers may not have noticed the IR at all. I do hope this meets the criteria that you all use to judge. After cropping and using AI Topas to sharpen and reduce noise, I used levels to to enhance the toning. It did need some contrast, but I kept that to a minimum to make the animals look natural. Looking forward to your comments.
Camera was still set for earlier in the day imaged (My mistake) so I hope you forgive the strange setting.
Sony AII 94mm, F5.6, ISO 800, 1/4000


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




Gary Potts   Gary Potts
Hi Melanie...
Glad you had such a fantastic trip. This is very much IR in my view, and I'd recognize it as such without any description. The underbrush and foliage have turned that special 'white'. Great job on the white whites and the black blacks! I wish two of them weren't merged, but on the other hand, it makes for a very natural scene in the wild. Yes, your sky is perfect IR conditions!   Posted: 11/01/2024 12:16:24
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
thanks, At least I remembered to pick up the IR camera!   Posted: 11/10/2024 18:51:01



Jack Florence Jr   Jack Florence Jr
I love how zebras set the stage for a black and white image. Here, there is a mystical, whimsical mood, given by the infrared. Great shot Melanie.
Only nitpick is the the tips of the trees in center, can see where some dodging was done, that's always a tough transition to make look natural.   Posted: 11/03/2024 02:46:12
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Jack. I did not notice the artifacts and will correct them.   Posted: 11/10/2024 18:46:01



Arik Gorban   Arik Gorban
Hi Melanie. I like the scene in IR very much. The hill makes it more interesting than seeing them in a flat field. The increased contrast in the sky created some artifacts with inconsistent tones, especially behind the trees, but it's minor.   Posted: 11/04/2024 17:41:27
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Arik. I will correct those inconsistencies.   Posted: 11/10/2024 18:47:17



Henry Heerschap   Henry Heerschap
This is a standout image and IR was the perfect choice. Others have pointed out some artifacts in the sky and brush, but that's easily handled. You are well on the way to creating a winning image that will print beautifully.   Posted: 11/04/2024 20:39:30
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
Thank you   Posted: 11/10/2024 18:47:40



Emil Davidzuk   Emil Davidzuk
Melanie

The Zebras just POP in your image and from a story standpoint it looks the came into your frame from a path on the right and stopped to graze.

I am sort of amazed at how Black/White they render in IR. You were blessed with a nice sky above

Regards

Emil   Posted: 11/08/2024 17:16:05
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
Yes, They are the more interesting of all the animal IR imgess I have.   Posted: 11/10/2024 18:50:00



Palli Gajree   Palli Gajree
Hi Melanie
Excellent depiction and excecution of Zebra image in IR. Love this! Wondering if you'd consider cropping the image from top to lay more emphasis on the game! Have done so to see what you think!!   Posted: 11/29/2024 06:38:04
Comment Image
Melanie Hurwitz   Melanie Hurwitz
Thank you so much Palli. You make a very valid comment We are always looking for interesting skies to complement our IR images You point out that less may be more. Thanks for taking the time.   Posted: 11/29/2024 15:09:27