Munching Chipmunk

[bookloveraz]

I took this picture at Rocky Mountain National Park on vacation this summer. I'm pretty sure that the camera was set on sports mode at the time. Does the picture need to be sharper? Cropped? Any other suggestions? I like the picture, but something seems to be wrong... I just can't figure out what it is.


EXIF:
Jul 29, 2010
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot S1 IS
ISO: n/a
Exposure: 1/1000 sec
Aperture: 3.1
Focal Length: 58mm
Flash Used: No

[BryanPanting]

Nice shot. I would crop some of the left side off. Maybe take it off just a little past his tail, and a little off the top maybe also. Might want to try and lighten it a bit and ad da little more contrast, see if you can darken that background up a bit. Just my thoughts, hope that helps. Nice job.

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by BryanPanting

Nice shot. I would crop some of the left side off. Maybe take it off just a little past his tail, and a little off the top maybe also. Might want to try and lighten it a bit and ad da little more contrast, see if you can darken that background up a bit. Just my thoughts, hope that helps. Nice job.

Thanks for your tips! Is this better, or should I crop off a little bit off of the bottom?

[BryanPanting]

Yeah that looks good, not sure what software you are using, but if you could lighten him up a little and keep the back ground that dark that would help make him pop a little. Also I would not crop the right side at all. That would help keep him a little off center. Hope that helps.

[bigone5500]

What I see first is the Chipmunk, then I see the black 'hole' at the bottom left. I think the hole is a bit distracting. As mentioned before, crop it down so that the chipmunk is in the lower left of the photo.

This is just my opinion too, but if the scene were just a tad more exposed it would bring out more in the shadows.

This was my first critique so I hope it wasn't too ignorant. Overall, I like the photo the way it is, but with these suggestions, my interest would be kept on the main subject.

Good job!

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by bigone5500

What I see first is the Chipmunk, then I see the black 'hole' at the bottom left. I think the hole is a bit distracting. As mentioned before, crop it down so that the chipmunk is in the lower left of the photo.

This is just my opinion too, but if the scene were just a tad more exposed it would bring out more in the shadows.

This was my first critique so I hope it wasn't too ignorant. Overall, I like the photo the way it is, but with these suggestions, my interest would be kept on the main subject.

Good job!

Thanks bigone. You're right about the black hole... I hadn't really noticed it as much but now I see what you mean. What did you think of the edited picture I posted? I think that it's a lot better. Thanks for your tips -- they weren't too ignorant.

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by BryanPanting

Yeah that looks good, not sure what software you are using, but if you could lighten him up a little and keep the back ground that dark that would help make him pop a little. Also I would not crop the right side at all. That would help keep him a little off center. Hope that helps.

Okay, I'll try that. Thank for being so helpful!

[Krusty79]

Generally, it is better to compose your wildlife shots so your subject isn't in the middle of the image. So, I agree with the comments about cropping out the black hole on the left and leaving the right side intact.

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

Generally, it is better to compose your wildlife shots so your subject isn't in the middle of the image. So, I agree with the comments about cropping out the black hole on the left and leaving the right side intact.

I see what you mean. I'll try that. Thanks!