A few red squiggles

A few red squirrels, that I thought I'd share. Any C&C gratefully received. All with the K5 and DA 300

I know some will suggest losing the blade of grass on the first, but I'd sooner leave it, in line with Natural History photography expectations.


Red Squirrel by Alan Wennington, on Flickr


Nutcracker, Red Squirrel by Alan Wennington, on Flickr


Red Squirrel by Alan Wennington, on Flickr


Red Squirrel in the heather by Alan Wennington, on Flickr

Lovely shots of a hard-to-find species these days, Alan. So hard to get real sharpness of fuzzy fur like you have done. No. 3 is the one for me - a suggestion of tense alertness that you don't get from the more common nut-nibbling stance. Brilliant!
Regards,

Super set - #3 for me as well.

Phil

Fantastic especially the 4th.

No problem with the blade of grass on the 1st.

--

A great set Alan. Well up to your usual high standard.

Best regards

Thanks for feedback, folks.

Very interesting feedback Nigel. Be interested in the thoughts of others on your points

Oh yeah, sure, that might be hard to predict . But you never know, its bound to be interesting ... thats what its all about of course. Just have to hope not too many of my supporters have de-camped ....

I like to see a subject such as this filling the frame. And so sharp too. You don't say what lens you were using Alan, its either a long 'un or you got in damn close.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

I like the close ups, its nice to see the detail. 1 and 2 are my favourites.

Great set, the last shot is the best for me

All of these shots are beautiful and expertly taken.

I sort of agree with Nigel in a way, in that number 4 is my favourite and also that in number 1 the background fights a bit for attention. However, as mentioned on the 'other forum', this for me is not because of the compositions, but because the greens look a bit aggressive and over-saturated, especially in the first one. Also the reds look a little bright to me in 1, 2 and 3, whereas in number 4 all of the colouring looks natural and neutral.

I realise this is a bit brave making comments like this on such superb images, but I have to say what I see!

Best wishes
David

Steady on David



Be brave! I think in fact when the quality is already high it is only the finers point that matter - but they can have such an impact as polishing touches that it is very worthwhile.

You mentioned things that were said somewhere else .... getting complicated now commenting on images isn't it ....

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Much appreciated.

Thanks for the detailed comments Nigel. Taking onboard the comments from you and David, below is #3 with the yellow saturation turned down somewhat. Be grateful for thoughts.

As to Nigel's additional points, coniferous forest floors aren't the most photogenic. I think tight crops are therefore the order of the day. In fact in #2 the bit I don't like is the twig bottom right. I wouldn't want to be sitting the squirrel amongst a load of these twigs.

Also as it happens #2 is a behavioural shot, and I wouldn't like the hazelnut kernel to get lost amongst the forest floor. I'd watched, heard and photographed the squirrel making the hole to extract the nut, and I see the kernel as an integral part of the shot.But do acknowledge there is a place for an evironmental shot hence #4

As to the catchlights, I'd be grateful for more of an expalnation. I haven't done anything specific to the eyes. I have no plans to lose these actual catchlights and clone in new artificial, "more natural looking" catchlights.

Firstly, #3 re-posted



And then a close up of the eye, with catchlight