Monarto Zoo visit - behind the scenes!

[Chica]

Last weekend Tom and I went to Monarto to do the 'behind the scenes' experience with the cheetahs. It was a really fabulous experience and I would recommend it highly.

We spent nearly an hour in the enclosure with the cheetahs and were able to pat them and learn about their upbringing.

Here are some photos from the day..... C and C appreciated.

[Mr Darcy]

The first two are great, especially the first.

But I feel the other two are over sharpened. #3 in particular looks very artificial. Check out the dark haloes at the top, and the light ones on the bottom RHS. #4 works for the lion, but I find the sharpening artefacts are a bother in teh background. Perhaps selectively apply the sharpening, or maybe blur the backgroud after.

[Chica]

This is the B and W version of Mr Lion, which I prefer.... but I tohught I'd upload the other as it was a bit different for me.

[Chica]

Had another go at number #3.....

[Mr Darcy]

Much better.
Your sharpened lion hold promise, but it just needs the background toned down. If you use Photoshop, use a selection layer.
If you use LR, maybe paint over the background with the brush tool and drop the sharpness way down.

Too rusty with NX2 and Aperture, but probably a similar approachwill work.

[Chica]

Thanks Greg, I will have another play .... rainy day in Adelaide so perfect for experimenting with photos!!

[aim54x]

what Greg has already said!!!

Great to see photos Cathy. The redo on #3 is great