Otters are SAD!

[Overread]

1

f5.6, ISO 400, 1/125sec

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/...322bbc98_o.jpg

2

f5.6, ISO 200, 1/60sec

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/...98b9f4ea_o.jpg

3

f5.6, ISO 400, 1/125sec

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/...af920520_o.jpg

4

f5.6, ISO 400, 1/125sec

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/...faca3883_o.jpg

Otters from Marwell zoo - all photos taken with Canon 400D, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS, 1.4 Teleconverter and polarizer. Of two minds about the polarizer - on some fronts I really like it, but it does push me to using higher ISOs than I like to with my 400d (ie higher than 200) - it also conflicts with the lenshood - infact it means I can't use the hood when using it well. Still I like it for its counter glass reflections.

Any comments/crits welcome - thank you

[TPF Sponsor]

[invisible]

Nice set. The first one is lostprophet-good.

[kundalini]

So you made it to Marwell, (land of no wolves?). Well done on the Otters.

The TC is going to loose you ~1 stop and the CPL will be another ~1-1/2 stop. Higher ISO is the counter punch.

(If you had numbered the photos,) I would give #2 the best of the lot for me, with #1 a close second.

[Overread]

yah I was taking a brightness hit - and the day was very typical with weathe (that means nice thick cloud all day - well till closing time when the sun came out )

thanks for the compliments both
*goes to add numbers*

[keybq]

that is awesome the 4 one is the best

[TwoRails]

Boy-howdy! What an expression in the first shot! I like them all but probably looked at #1 the longest.

[The Empress]

aaawww they do look sad but still very cute lol great series!

[Wozza]

The forth shot is my favourite as it shows the animal interacting with the enviroment.

[matt-l]

LP hasn't seen this yet? Odd. The first shot is very nice and emotional. The third is well...funny! Who wouldn't want a ball full of otter! I think the second shot or the last shot are the best! great work. Try and get a little lower, almost eye level will make for a spectacular shot.

[Overread]

Thanks for the compliments

Matt - I would have got lower, just that they were in a boardered cage - it had wood round the edges so I had to stay a bit higher (and fully low as possible was at a horrid height that I could not maintain steady at).

[icassell]

I like 'em -- especially #4. I have the same constant fight with myself ... I have both a 1.4X and a 2X TC and a CP. I'll be wrestling with ISO and then remember that I have the convertor and/or the CP on the lens -- then what to do?

Ian

[Overread]

Glad to know I am not the only one
honestly I have no idea as to the solution, though I want to give the polarizer a try in really bright conditions, its clear that in the zoo behind glass it is a bonus, but it needs flash support or no TC (and flash on glass leads to problems of its own).

[LaFoto]

No need for them to be sad! Once they see me trying to take their photos they all roll_over_the_floor_with_laughter !!!

[pugnacious33]

I like 'em! Otter drinking is the best of the bunch though. Nice shootin'!

[Antarctican]

Wonderful series, Overread!! The otter in that first one was practicing his 'sad puppy eyes' look. And I also really like the last one...with the reflection, the curve of his body down to the water's edge, and the little toes all visible on his foot.