Sea Lions

[kkathy]

I took this shot while on a Marine Institute boat in Long Beach Harbor. We circled the Sea Lions while they basked in the sun. I have done no editing. What could I have done to make this a better photo? Thanks in advance for your comments and critiques

[jiminyClickit]

kkathy,

Some compromise is involved: if you had metered for the guy on the right, the shadows in the buoy, other sea lions and water might have gotten too dark. If you had included top of buoy, overall the subjects would be smaller. This is good. Especially from a boat.

[taykuyphotoart]

I only would have gon with a tighter crop... You don't have the entire bouy anyway so focus on the Sea Lions. Perhaps a little basic curves/levels adjustment in addition to the crop would make it a little more powerful, but a nice moment!

[clockdoc]

I agree with the previous comments. HAd you pulled back to get the whole bouy, the white wake would have been more obvious and distracting. As suggested, cropping in more closely would make a much stronger shot because of the subjects. Most viewers probably wouldn't even notice that cutoff bouy. You would also eliminate the white wake at the top. Nice grab shot!

[kkathy]

Thanks everyone!

I cropped the photo in tighter, but I haven't done any other adjustments yet. I will be able to play with those this evening.

This crop does bring the sea lions in as the focus and gets rid of some of the water distraction.

[jiminyClickit]

kkathy,

And the "sleeper" looks better. A good solution, if it satisfies your memory.

[sunsetter]

I like the cropped shot much better. Good job.

[Farkled]

The cropped version is distinctly better, although I must say that I really hate sea lions with a passion. Why? I'm a SoCal sportfisherman and these things ruin the fishing and steal what catch you can get. They are direct competitors, protected by the marine mammals act, breed like flies and are becoming a distinct hazard in a number of areas.

On the good side, SoCal is a hatchery for Mako sharks and the sea lions are good food for the bigger mommas. The Great Whites show up for the feast, although they don't like the warmer water. Although, it will soon all collide with the tourist industry.

Sorry for the rant, but there is a dark side to them.

[kkathy]

You are right Farkled. They are a lot of trouble, especially with boats and they are sneaky. I've seen them take over a boat and sink it in the marina. However, they are really good subject for photos because they just lay there.

Someday we will go sport fishing. I've done surf fishing in Florida, and your basic stream fishing all over, but never gone out on a sport fishing expedition.