I have to fight the “purist” streak in me.

If I take a photo with the sky sporting medium-rose highlights as the sun sets, I want the finished version of my sky to portray shades of medium-rose, not darker, not lighter...just the way I saw it and captured it. 

Unfortunately, I have discovered that isn’t always a realistic practice in producing a memorable, eye-catching photo that stands out from other similar shots.  I am, therefore, starting to see a value in adding certain “enhancements,” particularly regarding small imperfections that mar a perfectly acceptable, maybe even slightly exceptional, photo.

Case in point, animal shots that include an unfortunate fence in the background, or some other obvious sign of captivity.

I am not likely to be heading out on Safari anytime soon, nor on a guided “wildlife tour” in a famous location.  However, as I looked at past photos with new-possibility eyes, I discovered a couple of treasures.  Enter the goat, the bobcat, and the bear.  I will focus on the bear.

As you will notice in this first photo, the bear is clearly in a fenced enclosure.  And he is HOT!  I loved the brown and red highlights in his fur, those are his natural coloration.  And I thought the direction of his face was pretty excellent….but had dismissed the photo years ago for anything except trip memorabilia due to the fence and washed out grass from the excess sunlight.

But l studied his expression, still loved the fact he was looking directly at me, and started editing to see if I could turn the “unacceptable” into a product of note.  The second photo ended up as my final result, and makes a most satisfactory 11x14” aluminum panel. black and brown bear

If I can do it, you can do it!  Take a fresh look at some of those past photos and see if you can recognize some genuine potential.