constancelowery
FollowI heard the dogs barking out on my porch. Going outside, I was surprised and excited at what I saw. There he-she was! Looking up I now understood the reason fo...
Read more
I heard the dogs barking out on my porch. Going outside, I was surprised and excited at what I saw. There he-she was! Looking up I now understood the reason for all the fuss. It was a beautiful raccoon right under the roof wrapped around the post. I could hear the raccoon saying "oh, just shut up and I'll be on my way."
Read less
Read less
Views
853
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Legendary Award
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on my home's front porch. It was a special surprise for me to see this wonderful creature come to visit. This curious raccoon decided to climb up the drain pipe to survey the surroundings and of course get away from my very excited dogs. Unfortunately for me, although I live in a rural part of Virginia, I don't get to see raccoons very often. Hope this fellow comes again.Time
My visitor showed up in the early evening just as it was getting dark. By the time I went and got my camera I had to grab the flash as well. The time of day was perfect for a perfect shot.Lighting
As a flashgun was used for this picture, it did need some editing in post. Some of the areas had to be burned and I also did some work with a Levels adjustment tool.Equipment
Photo was taken using the Fuji XT-1 camera with the small, all purpose, kit flash. The lens was the Fuji 18-55mm one. I would like to have set up on a tripod but there just was not enough time---I had to get that shot.Inspiration
I was inspired to take this photo because I love raccoons! ( and photography ).Editing
Post-processing? Yes. All my photographs are post-processed, this one no exception. Besides some burning of areas that were somewhat light, I also did some cropping to have my subject in the center of my image. Now I know it is generally not a good idea to put the subject directly in the center, but I do because that's how I like it. I want everyone to like my work of course, but if I don't like it, well the rest doesn't matter. So, there was cropping, burning, adjustments with Levels lighting and some cloning as well. I used Photoshop Elements 14 and Paintshop Pro X8.In my camera bag
I carry around my Fuji XT-1 camera with the 18-55mm lens and the Fuji 55-200mm lens with a few accessories for them. I just now bought a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140mm lens and a 55-300mm lens which will now go with me in the bag too. I had to get a lens hood for the 18-55mm lens as one did not come with the lens. I all ways use lens hoods to shield the stray light from getting in the cameras.Feedback
The only advice I can give is to all ways have your camera ready and handy. You never know when you are going to need it.