Squirrel 2 WOIB-002 (which one is better?)

We captured our squirrel yesterday and definitely improved the crop and framing, but I think there are a few things that can make this image a bit better. We have good composition and exposure, but I feel like the lightness and even the red color of the surrounding plants are a distraction from my main subject. Since they do not add to the story and create a distraction, lets see how we can make it better.

Since the lightness of the rocks and plants bothered me first, I darkened them, and then cropped, but honestly, they could have been done in any order. First, I added a “Dodge and Burn Layer” in photoshop by creating a blank layer and putting it in soft light mode. Painting on it with a large soft brush at 15% black darkens the areas and 15% white lightens. I just painted over all the rocks and greenery to darken, switching to white to lighten his little face. Our eyes are drawn to the lighter areas of and image as well as the area of greatest contrast. His face is the perfect bullseye focal point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now Im thinking the red especially is a distraction and the greenery really doesnt add much to the image or story. Using the crop tool again with the cropping guide overlays, I come in closer to Mr. Squirrel, still keeping him in the upper third, but much closer. I feel this new image is much #Better than all the previous versions!

#SuzetteSays #getclose #kissthosewhiskers

Photographed with a Lumix GH4 and Lumix G Vario 35-100/2.8 at 100mm (in 35mm: 200mm)

@LumixUSA  @SuzetteAllen.com