Pentax K10D
smc Pentax-FA 50 mm f/1.4
1/1000
f/1.4
ISO 100



I also posted this in Photo Critique (since that's what I'm seeking) but I didn't get the impression that there's too much traffic in there. If it's objectionable, the moderators can delete it or tell me and I will.

SLC

[thomasjmpark]

I like it, nice colours and the bubble is sharp. A fish must have farted

[SLC Flyfishing]

I like it, nice colours and the bubble is sharp. A fish must have farted

Yes Thomas, that's exactly what happened!

SLC

[Peter Zack]

I like the shot and the colours but it doesn't say WOW to me. With some more vibrant colours, this could be interesting.

[paden501]

I like the composure on that shot. The photo is very simple yet very interesting.

[Gooshin]

this seems like it belongs as part of an advertisement, contrary to most photographs this one is actually missing text

[SLC Flyfishing]

Thanks everyone!

[Buddha Jones]

I dont know how to critique this one, it is soft and sharp all at the same time. It is very moody, yet matter of fact all at the same time.

I think I like it but I dont know why... all at the same time.

[clawhammer]

What he said ^

That looks really cool, how'd you do that?

[spyglass]

This shots gets more interesting the longer I look at it. The colours are pleasing and soothing. It looks like water meeting the sky. The trick is to try and define the point where water stops and sky begins and visa versa, but just when you think you have a sense of that definitive line you change you mind and follow a different line or point (could this be the ultimate question, or the definition of insanity). I like it! It does not jump out and grab you, but make no mistake it can get a hold on you.

[hamidlmt]

The word "tranquility" comes to mind.... it's a lovely shot... I love the rich, yet subdued colors and the razor sharp focus on the er.... fish fart bubble

[roentarre]

Simply stunning photograph. So beautiful

[skaktuss]

Fantastic picture.

I would turn it 3 degrees to the left side.

[SLC Flyfishing]

What he said ^

That looks really cool, how'd you do that?

Well I was at a place that you might be aware of, Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake! I was there to try and get some interesting photos of the Tiger. Well the Tiger was napping and so I defaulted to doing these, I've got about 100 all in all and they all are slightly different, this one was the first good one out of Lightroom, I haven't gotten around to editing the rest yet!

Anyway, I was playing with a combination of aperture and angle (for light reflection) in these shots to give me the soft effect on the water. I found that at about 45 degrees up from the surface of the water, and at a larger aperture I got the effect I wanted. These were all shot within about 2 feet of the subject so getting the bubbles in focus at f/1.4 was hot and miss, but like I said I shout about 100 so I should have a few more cool ones.

Like I said, the softness comes from a combination of angle and bokeh, and also this is pretty smooth water (although I liked the way it sort of made it look like it was a flowing current) the colors come from the sky and the front of the tiger enclosure reflecting off the water.

I'll edit a few more this weekend and if I think they're worth seeing, I'll post them here!

Thanks for the compliments everyone, it seems as though you guys (like me) don't understand exactly why it's appealing. But I like it and I'm glad I could share it with everyone, these types of photographs don't come often for me.

SLC