Toad at Night C&C Please

[CMfromIL]

Found this little guy out when the dog had to go out. I grabbed my camera, and tripod. Used a very long exposure, luckily Mr Toad was a cool 60F so he wasn't moving too quick

Here is the exif data:

Camera Model: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 200.0mm (35mm equivalent: -21...
Exposure Time: 0.200 s (1/5)
Aperture: f/3.5
ISO Equiv.: 3200

Should I have tried to go to f/5.6 or leave it as is? Clearly there was minimal light, but I don't think I could have gotten the toad to sit still for much more per shot.

1.

2.

 

[Trever1t]

Didi you shoot RAW format? If so have you tried a WB adjust?

I like the froggy but the color cast is overwhelming.

 

[CMfromIL]

It's a light brown toad, shot on my light brown mulch under a barely visable CFL. I'll mess with the RAW when I get home, and see if other settings help.

 

[Buckster]

It's a light brown toad, shot on my light brown mulch under a barely visable CFL. I'll mess with the RAW when I get home, and see if other settings help.

Even using the JPGs above, better color cast was possible in Photoshop. I didn't save it though. The very first one has a bit of green vegetation right up front, and the pattern on the toad becomes much more distinguishable as black, brown and a light tan/white color. Clarity increased nicely just from the new color balance as well.

 

[PixelRabbit]

Neat capture CM. I like the second one, the super shallow DOF works best in it. The eye is a major focal point but alas it looks a bit soft, not sure if it is fixable but perhaps give it a shot? I agree with Trever a tweak in the colour and perhaps a smidge more contrast will help make it more defined.

 

[CMfromIL]

@ Pixel

The shot is on focus, but the slow, slow shutter speed allowed for a smidge of motion blur. The toad was breathing very slowly, but as I was taking the shot it began to flex it's mouth and diaphram. I think it was contemplating trilling for a mate. That's the reason for the OOF.

I need better toads that can sit still!:lmao:

 

[CMfromIL]

Ok, had a few minutes at lunch, and was able to work with the RAW file. Thanks for the suggestion! I went with 'Auto' for WB and viola:

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2.

3.

 

[PixelRabbit]

Much better

 

[Joel_W]

the change in WB made a huge differnce. Picture #2 is my personal favorite. Would really have loved to see a 4th picture with the whole frog in focus. I'm sure next time out you'll stop it down a few stops.

 

[jfrabat]

Muuuuch better now!

 

[Patriot]

The second is my favorite one too.

 

[ewick]

I also agrre. number 2 is waht I vote for and the w/b made a huge difference.