Kiss of the Sea Lion

[cristen]

Camera Canon EOS 500D
Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program Aperture-priority AE
Metering Mode Center-weighted average

I took this shot using a hand-held zoom. I liked how the girl looked, excited, smiling quite apprehensively as she was just a volunteer from the audience to go near the performing sea-lion. Please critique on composition and my settings. Is there too much negative space? I really didn't like the color of the background but couldn't do anything about it.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by cristen

Please critique on composition and my settings. Is there too much negative space? I really didn't like the color of the background but couldn't do anything about it.

No there is not too much negative space, and the composition is fine. I would probably crop a little tighter on the right. The focus is a little soft and I bet that is from camera shake with 1/50th and a 300 mm lens. Bump up the ISO and get a faster shutter speed for a crisper image.

FWIW, I love the rock background

I would suggest that a levels or curves adjustment in post and some sharpening would really make this image pop....

[cristen]

I really like your edit, Scott. I tried it myself in PS, with what little skill I have and came up with this:


Any improvement?

[JFSanders]

Much better! Nice shot and a great smile!

Jim

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

Much better! Nice shot and a great smile!

Jim

+1 The image really comes alive with the additional contrast

[JFSanders]

I ran it through Topaz infocus to see what it would look like with the softness removed. If you like I will remove it.

Jim

[cristen]

I only did what you suggested, Scott. Thanks so much.
Jim, I don't have Topaz (as I can't even handle PS properly), but it's amazing how the softness disappeared. I like it! Thanks.

[JFSanders]

If you have PS you can download a plugin from Topaz for thirty day trial and try it yourself. Pretty simple interface and it is basically all sliders with live preview. Try it but use it judiciously as it can get out of control quickly.

Jim

[cristen]

arrgghhh!!! a plug in. i will have to figure how to use it. thanks so much Jim. i will try it.

[JFSanders]

Don't arrrgh too much. Topaz is pretty easy as the plugin and PS are aware of each other. It shows up in the filters I think under the Adobe 8 something something. I use Irfanview to use it.

Jim