I always use hoods, just seems like common sense .. sure, it won't always make a difference , but it reduces one potential cause of contrast reduction. Lets not forget also the clear advantage of the physical protection offered to the front glass by hoods - on my Samyang the rather short petal hood has saved it from scratches a few times because the front element is bulbous and it is very easy to forget to protect it when moving around.

I've given up with 'protective' filters or UVs / skylight types - the extra flexiblity available in processing now seems to outweigh any IQ advantage they may offer, if indeed they offer any.

Ah well, that's that then ... I didn't know there was an actual rule against it

Thanks Alan, I did have to be very careful with the clouds - let a few blow out, but generally I've been able to recover shadows fairly easily.

Yes Andrew, it can certainly shine in the right conditions. Thanks for your kind comments!

That's a fair point ... although you're a lot closer to the squirrel there than any of Alans shots - you don't think the much greater distance will eliminate any red eye?

Perhaps a little cloning trick could work? Is it really 'dishonest' to do something like this? I accept that Alan is happy with the eyes anyway, that's fine - but if there was no reflection at all then surely a little subtle cloned-in speck in the centre would be perfectly acceptable?

I was thinking the flash distance is really very high at this focal length. Its not going to be the main lighting, powered down to say, 1/3rd total output needed for the distance it would just touch the squirrel gently with a little fill, giving some life to the eyes.

Trouble is its the wrong sort of catchlight...the important centre of the eye is practically black, so has a lifeless look to it. The reflection in the upper part of the eye doesn't function as a true catchlight. It may be difficult to balance a cloned centre point with this bright upper part, i accept that.

What are you doing with your shiny new 540FGZ? It should have been out with you on this shoot... Would have given ideal natural looking illumination and catchlights

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 ....

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 can see I'll have to publish a calendar of summery English garden scenes just to satisfy you Algi! Well, at least its something to keep in mind if the day job goes pear-shaped Glad you like them - now, a WR lens showcase in my garden ... that would raise a few eyebrows ... I guess the case itself wouldn't need to be waterproof ....

All really good, great angles and sharp The last is my favourite as it sets the subject in an interesting context and the background colours complement it perfectly (unlike the first which fights a bit for attention).

Whilst impressive technically I don't actually think the extreme frame filling telephoto shots suit this creature as much, say, as birds do - its better to see some space around them and some of the environment.

The first is the only with a natural looking catchlight - personally I'd clone in a very small catchlight into the middle of the eyes in the other 3. One final thing, on the first 3 (the last is perfect!) I'd suggest a small reduction in yellow saturation. Thanks for sharing thee lovely squirrel images!