Version II

Oh yeah - now you're talkin"! Definitely more to my tastes (although I'd be proud to have taken the horizontal too!) Nice stuff David. I just think the vertical format has a little more impact  

The vertical works beautifully, Dave! The close-in view really shows off the fine detail you captured with that camera/lens combination. Again, great eye contact, and I love the vegetation hanging from his antler. Very impressive!

Very Nice. Everything about it.
TY

Hi Dave, this crop is much more impactful, no question. However, it looks very 'grudgy' for much of a better word, and somewhat unnatural to my eye. I have no idea if clarity (in Lightroom) was used but it looked to have the same effect.

Stunning -- I definitely prefer this version.

Nice shot-have to love these Stags you are finding. Well done.

T.

Perfect, classic pose for this majestic subject, and no denying the close up has great impact - but I still prefer your original with more room around him. Excellent series of images Dave.

Carol Clarke wrote:Perfect, classic pose for this majestic subject, and no denying the close up has great impact - but I still prefer your original with more room around him.   Excellent series of images Dave.

My thoughts too Carol.  From a wall hanger viewpoint the space also allows more interest in habitat etc and for me retains interest longer.  Certainly get the "more impact " view.  Nice things about the file sizes now as they provide both options.  Thanks all for your input.  Always appreciated

david fletcher wrote:

Carol Clarke wrote:Perfect, classic pose for this majestic subject, and no denying the close up has great impact - but I still prefer your original with more room around him.   Excellent series of images Dave.

My thoughts too Carol.  From a wall hanger viewpoint the space also allows more interest in habitat etc and for me retains interest longer.  Certainly get the "more impact " view.  Nice things about the file sizes now as they provide both options.  Thanks all for your input.  Always appreciated

I couldn't agree more.  For a framed picture the wider view would win for me every time but of course there will always be some who like the 'in your face' view. 

A striking, impactful image. Love all the stuff hanging off his antlers. The coat looks a bit "crunchy", maybe there's something going on with compression or maybe a bit over-sharpened in this version? Now I have to go look at the original

Stunning is right! Have you tried a tight head and shoulder portrait crop? There is so much interest in the foliage hanging from his antlers I can't stop looking at it!