I Shot a Deer!

[svantland]

I made this shot while I was traveling through the back country. I did a bit of cloning to remove some grass in front of the deer because I found it distracting. I have 2 questions. First, I would like some C&C on the image as a whole. Secondly, can you tell where I hid the grass? It seems to jump out at me, but I don't know if that is because I need to improve my technique, or because I know where the grass was to begin with. If you like, I can post the image before grass removal for comparison. I didn't want to post it right away so that there is no cheating ;)

[tirediron]

A nice image, just a touch on the over-exposed side. A bit work with levels and curves will bring the eposure back into line. It looks me like the focus is just a bit off (it looks like it may have caught his left antlers), as the eyes don't seem quite sharp. I'm not overly fussed on the composition; between the tall grass and the tree, this rather gives the impression of a disembodied head, almost like a hunting trophy. He really needs to 'show a bit of leg' I think.

With respect to your question about the cloning, yes, I can see where it was done, but it's not glaringly obvious and I don't think it's a cause for concern unless you're considering entering this image in a contest.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John