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Monkey-ing Around

© Christie R. Bielss

Monkey-ing Around

Uploaded: June 17, 2009

Description

A monkey from the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL.

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: fired, auto mode, return light detected, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: NIKON D80

Comments

Michael Kelly level-deluxe June 17, 2009

Christie cute pose and good comp on this one.

Looks like another direct flash strong contrast shot that I just have no idea how to fix. One of the problems is that as the light drops off to the back of the shot and all BG areas become underexposed and anything you try to do with that part of the shot to lighten it will make it look very noisy.

This has to be fixed on future shots by flash technique. I would get a bounce reflector or defuse to avoid this on future shots. Open up to try and get as much available light as possible and just use the flash to fill in shadows or bounce the flash from ceiling or wall if available so you don't get the direct lighting. #1142713

Ellen H. Robertson level-classic June 17, 2009

I a such a technical infant, I did not even see what Mike is talking about nor could I recognize it if I saw it. But now that he said something I see it.

All I could see is his cute face with his slightly crossed eyes and looks like his tounge is partly sticking out and the fact he is looking at you trying to figure out what you are. #7640515

Christie R. Bielss June 17, 2009

Thanks Mike! I knew you'd nail me on the flash! LOL! I haven't bought a speedlight yet, but am shopping - so hopefully the blow-outs will soon come to an end. I had the lens opened as far as it would allow me, but not sure of my ISO - will check that too to see if I had it upped to allow more light in. I actually prefer the dark b/g as this particular monkey cage had a hideously ugly b/g - I think my Kindergartener could've painted better! - and really didn't want it to show up - is that a bad thing?

Thanks Ellen! This monkey was hilarious - he came right up to the glass and put his hands (?) on the glass where I had my lens and kept turning his head upside down trying to figure us out.

This was in the same building area as the bear image that I had all sorts of lighting issues with - hence the issues with this photo too.....of course, I'd say 75% of the problem is my on-board flash. #7640581

Aimee C. Eisaman June 17, 2009

What no SB 900 yet? I thought you had a yard sale? Well I actually like when backgrounds are underexposed sometimes and it seems that this is a time you would want that to happen. What flash does to the eyes though can be ugly. I would clean them up and only leave 2 catch lights and try to soften them. Make the rest of the pupil black. I would also rotate this image and crop some off the left. Not sure it will look right, but I have to almost hang upside down to view it now. :~) #7640594

Debbie E. Payne June 17, 2009

Priceless pose, but the direct flash has me stymied as to how you can fix this. I have an off-camera flash but don't know how to use it and probably need a class to get me to figure it out. Even without instruction, it gives better pictures than the on-camera flash gives.

I just won't take pictures if I can't get enough available light. I know that is taking the easy way out. Good for you for trying your flash, Christie! #7641238

Sharon Lohrmann June 17, 2009

great shot christie. terrific detail in the eyes. the flash is a bugger. I have a canon speedlight and I have to admit I don't use it that often. another thing on the list to practice. kathe took jim zuckerman's flash photograhpy class - i'll ask her how she liked it. #7641373

Debbra Bailey June 17, 2009

Christie, I do see the flash issues, but I LOVE the pose and the composition! #7641736

Anthony L. Mancuso June 17, 2009

Agree with the lighting problem, but I also agree with the cuteness of the image factor...there does also seem to be a green halo around him, try desaturating the green channel to get rid of it... #7641818

Rita K. Connell level-classic June 18, 2009

Cute shot...but I am with Aimee on this one I actually like when the backgrounds are underexposed sometimes, the eyes do need clean up,I'm not sure I like looking at him side ways either and green halo needs some work, darn those green windows. We have all of these wonderful animals to see and take pictures of but the glass between us is such a problem. #7643263

Christie R. Bielss June 18, 2009

Aimee, I had the garage sale and have the money, I just haven't wanted to let go of the cash yet. Yep, I'm lookin' for a bargain!
Debbie - screwing up with my flash is what's letting me learn so much about PSE's capabilities! LOL!
Thanks Deb, Tony and Rita.
Ok, I went back to the parrot image that I blew out the last time I went to this zoo and used Dale's instructions from that to try and tone down the glare. I also cleaned up his eyes and the food bits that were stuck to his mouth. I hadn't even noticed the green halo surrounding him (green hair on a monkey - now how did I miss that?!), but that must've been from the hideous flourescent green walls, as the glass was clear (well, except for the billion or so fingerprints), and have desaturated and lightened the green.

As for the angle, I like him being twisted around - it shows his personality and how goofy he was. But I have done a flip so you can see. So here goes - and since Dale's on vacation, don't be afraid to tell me I screwed it up! #7643812

Christie R. Bielss June 18, 2009

Oh, and Sharon - would love to hear what Kathy thought of Jim's class! #7643827

Aimee C. Eisaman June 18, 2009

Your final post is the one I like best with the portrait style crop! Very nice work in PS! :~) I can understand trying to get a bargin. I looked around, but didn't find any and didn't want to wait any longer! #7644571

Michael Kelly level-deluxe June 18, 2009

Christie you did a fantastic job on the PP - it is far better than I thought it would look. I think either of the last two you prefer will work very nicely. Great job on this! #7644857

Anthony L. Mancuso June 24, 2009

I agree with Mike, Christie, great job cleaning this one up, I actually like the horizontal crop best because as you said, it shows off the goofy side of the monkey.. #7674210

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