Turtle shots need help

These turned out better than I thought, but I still think they need some big help. Right off the bat (watching the home run derby right now) I think the head needs to seen and sharp. Anything else? Suggestions? One or both.




1
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b7...rq/turtle2.jpg


2
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b7...rq/Turtle1.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by arne saknussen

These turned out better than I thought, but I still think they need some big help. Right off the bat (watching the home run derby right now) I think the head needs to seen and sharp. Anything else? Suggestions? One or both.

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First thing to do is to determine when to press the shutter button. Generally speaking, it would be a better picture if the turtle is not moving away from you (like what you have in your photos). As the water is not the best looking water around, you could consider getting a closer shot of the turtle if the situation circumstance allows. Also you could consider doing some post-processing to make the final image(s) more appealing.

Arne, generally I really like your work, but these both need more work than it's probably worth. To my eye, they both seem soft, and the speckles in the water aren't doing them any favors either. Second shot needs a big contrast boost (more like the first one is now) and exibits signs of posterization in the lower right part of the water. I'd probably clone out the fly on his back in the second as well. You might be able to bring these around, but it would probably be faster and easier to find another turtle...

Thanks guys, I appreciate you taking the time. You are both quite right, I must admit.
I was in a coffee shop, looking down at the lake through a window. I was impressed that I got the shot to look like anything recognizable. But in photography, its the results, not the effort that succeeds.
I did get something out of this then.
Thanks again.