Here's a fun shot of some of my other koi, taken a while back. The big orange one from this WA is just barely visible in the background. Most of these koi are about 15 to 18" long. It's no wonder the Japanese call them "living jewels". http://www.beverlyguhl.com/photog/koi_1/0286_KOI.jpg
Yakim Peled wrote:
Very good shot. Nothing new here but I suspect that with a CPL it could have been excellent.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Thanks, Yakim! Actually, having shot koi with and without a polarizing filter I much prefer it w/out. The reason is this: if you remove every touch of reflection from the water the koi look suspended in space, there's nothing to ground them or give any sense of depth. (Interestingly, any shots of the koi rising from the water removes the glisten on their bodies and they no longer look wet or shiny, and that shiny wetness is such a cool part of the shot.) Also, at the time of day a CPL would work the reflections are way too strong on this pond. I shoot early or late in the day and only when the koi are in the shade, and that gives me the best final image. Maybe it's just a matter of taste, but I really feel a CPL makes the shot look as though you've processed out an integral part of their habitat. I appreciate your thoughts on this though!
Wow! Bev,
This is really lovely, what a great form you've captured. I really like the complimenting colors. This is one of my favorite images this week. Well done.
-Nick
Beverly Guhl wrote:
Thanks, Yakim! Actually, having shot koi with and without a polarizing filter I much prefer it w/out. The reason is this: if you remove every touch of reflection from the water the koi look suspended in space, there's nothing to ground them or give any sense of depth. (Interestingly, any shots of the koi rising from the water removes the glisten on their bodies and they no longer look wet or shiny, and that shiny wetness is such a cool part of the shot.) Also, at the time of day a CPL would work the reflections are way too strong on this pond. I shoot early or late in the day and only when the koi are in the shade, and that gives me the best final image. Maybe it's just a matter of taste, but I really feel a CPL makes the shot look as though you've processed out an integral part of their habitat. I appreciate your thoughts on this though! ...Show more →
As you saw the different pictures and I didn't and as I value your mind a lot I am positive this one would have been selected by me as well as the best in the series if I had seen the others.
Now you've jinxed me. Thanks. lol