They call me Buttercup...

[LadyHawk]

I am trying to do some professional shots of animals at at a nearby safari-type zoo. Any comments or suggestions on how I can improve this photo. What would you do differently?

[skade]

Oh I just love this shot! That is so cool Lol. Personally I wouldnt do anything differently.. I like the shot and the way you have framed and named it. But then I am not one of the "pro's" , so its just my opinion!

[LadyHawk]

Oh I just love this shot! That is so cool Lol. Personally I wouldnt do anything differently.. I like the shot and the way you have framed and named it. But then I am not one of the "pro's" , so its just my opinion!

Thanks, Sandi... you certainly are one of the pros... not many of us have prize winning photos and have been published in a photography magazine. Did the tripod come yet?

By the way, the frame is from forum member Mickle, who provided a great script for all CS and CS2 users (thanks again, Mike). ;)

[herderdog]

Karen,
This shot is absolutely perfect. I would not change a thing.
Color, composition and character. Terrific!
Are you doing these shots for the zoo?
Love it!!

[Ballen Photo]

Now THIS tickled my Funny Bone. :lol: Nice capture. ;)
-Bruce

[Bald Eagle]

I'm definitely not one of the pro's and i think its perfect as well. love the character in this shot. Dont change it.

[skade]

Did the tripod come yet?

Yes the tripod has arrived Karen, and its awesome! Such a difference it makes having a quality product rather than the cheap~n~nasty one that I had! Lol

[Skip Souza]

Perfect capture and title. All personality.

[LazyPhotographer]

A wonderful shot... I see posters selling in the gift shop!

[LadyHawk]

Thanks, everyone. I'm always worried about my shots being sharp enough... I'm pretty shaky and don't have IS on my long lense, nor a tripod. I PS'd the lone flower in her/his mouth. Hope it's not obvious.

Bonnie: I emailed the owner of this safari-type foundation, asking if I could have general access to the grounds in return for "professionally done photographs"... the ones on their website are pretty bad, animals with red eye, etc. Hopefully he'll like the deal... and it will save me the $100 annual fee I would otherwise have to pay to have regular access to lots of furry critters. (LazyPhotographer... they have a little gift shop on the premises, so that's my next goal.)

Keep up the good work, Sandi... glad to hear the tripod has arrived!

[mickle]

What a great picture.....

[LadyHawk]

What a great picture.....

Personally, I like the frame better ;) (thanks again, Mike)

[stoneylonesome]

I wouldn't do a thing it's a wonderful, whimisical shot. Great Job. Where is this safari park located?

[BlueTit]

Great photo, agree with everything said above, but and it is only a little but, is there anything you could do with the vertical banding in the background. There are three disctinct vertical bands that run the lenght of the subjects face and they are a little distracting. Other that that I think the shot is just about perfect. (I am not a professional - far from it)

[LadyHawk]

Great photo, agree with everything said above, but and it is only a little but, is there anything you could do with the vertical banding in the background. There are three disctinct vertical bands that run the lenght of the subjects face and they are a little distracting. Other that that I think the shot is just about perfect. (I am not a professional - far from it)

Right, BlueTit... I noticed the vertical banding too, then realized they were three tree trunks (see the foliage above them?). Opted to just leave as is. So much for bokeh, which I love...

I wouldn't do a thing it's a wonderful, whimisical shot. Great Job. Where is this safari park located?

Joe... It's on Route 4, outside of Torrington, heading west toward Cornwall. There are no exotics, just those that are capable of surviving in CT with minimal shelter. After a recent visit to the Bronx zoo, I can tell you I got better (closer)shots here. They have deer that walk right up to you... I never thought that possible. I'll post more photos in the future. Here's the link: www.actionwildlife.org (http://www.actionwildlife.org)

[stoneylonesome]

Right, BlueTit... I noticed the vertical banding too, then realized they were three tree trunks (see the foliage above them?). Opted to just leave as is. So much for bokeh, which I love...



Joe... It's on Route 4, outside of Torrington, heading west toward Cornwall. There are no exotics, just those that are capable of surviving in CT with minimal shelter. After a recent visit to the Bronx zoo, I can tell you I got better (closer)shots here. They have deer that walk right up to you... I never thought that possible. I'll post more photos in the future. Here's the link: www.actionwildlife.org (http://www.actionwildlife.org)

I know where it is now across from , well almost, Commerford Farms in Goshin. I can't tell you the number of times I've driven by there and keep meaning to stop. Thanks for the link. By the way the name is Sandy but I'll answer to anything :lol: :lol:
If you want some unique photo ops check out the Connecticut Antique Machinery Assoc. open house in Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25, 2005 in Kent right next door to the Sloane-Stanley Muesum
http://www.ctamachinery.com/

[Ron Lacey]

I love this photo, the only possible improvement I might suggest if you get the opportunity to shoot it again is to try and stop down so as to get the flowers in the foreground in sharp focus, I find them a little distracting but hey that may just be me :)

[dkord]

I love it too! Perfect expression!

[LadyHawk]

By the way the name is Sandy but I'll answer to anything :lol: :lol:
If you want some unique photo ops check out the Connecticut Antique Machinery Assoc. open house in Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25, 2005 in Kent right next door to the Sloane-Stanley Muesum
http://www.ctamachinery.com/
Sorry Sandy... where did I pull Joe from??? :o Just wanted to see if you would answer to anything, I guess. :D

For the rest of the story on Action Wildlife, the owner gave me permission to visit at anytime now in exchange for my pictures which hopefully will end up on the website.

Thanks for the great link, I would be there for sure ... unfortunately we will be in Ohio for a wedding that weekend. I would have been looking for your camera (and you) there.

I love this photo, the only possible improvement I might suggest if you get the opportunity to shoot it again is to try and stop down so as to get the flowers in the foreground in sharp focus, I find them a little distracting but hey that may just be me :)
Thanks, Ron. I am fairly new to advanced photography and only recently learned what "stopping down" means... hopefully my skills will get better with time! :)

BlueTit... Just want to correct myself. I think the "banding" in the background is actually part of a barely perceivable fence.

[Titus213]

You've managed to give this critter a whole personality in one shot. Nice job.

[Maureen Souza]

Pardon my tardiness, Karen. I am STILL trying catch up since the wedding. This photo is just priceless..... and I love the B&W frame!

[LadyHawk]

Thanks Dave. I never thought this funny looking animal would generate so many admirers.

Thanks Maureen... I'll be dissappearing for two family weddings in this fall, including my son's. You daughter is a very pretty girl! The frame is from our talented forum member Mickle. If you have CS or CS2, look him up.