I photographed this raccoon on Monday (27 January) as it foraged in an open water area of a small pond at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Although the weather was considerably warmer, i.e. above the freezing level, the water in the small interior ponds and in the shore areas was still almost completely frozen over.
I couldn’t tell for sure if the raccoon had any success in finding something to eat, because I was quite a good distance away from it. It was fascinating nonetheless to watch the raccoon at work, repeatedly dipping a paw into the frigid water.
The second image below provides a much clearer view of the raccoon’s face, but there is something about the body and head position in the first photo that appeals to be a slight bit more. What do you think? Do you have a preference for the first photo or the second one?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike: I like BOTH photos!
Thanks, Judith. I like them both too–that’s why I posted them both. 🙂
I don’t think I have a preference but the first photo is probably more interesting and the second makes for a nice raccoon portrait with his masked face. I’m glad you weren’t close. They are pretty animals but very nasty and full of diseases.
I like the second.
Thanks, Jean. I definitely like that one too and, in fact, it’s the one that I posted on my Instagram account.
Wonderful photos, Mike, so crisp and clear. You managed to convey the frigidity well. In all my years enjoying outdoor sights, I have never seen a raccoon in a posture like you captured in the first photo, so I really like that one the most.
Thanks, Jet. I suspect that the raccoon was being unusually cautious on the ice and may have twisted its body in unusual ways to avoid having to move its feet and potentially slipping.
The first photo is contemplative, especially because it includes a fascinating rare view of the raccoon which I can survey quietly.
The second photo is confrontational, I feel wary, even threatened and don’t dare look away from its face.
So I definitely prefer the first one.
Thanks, Don. I particularly appreciate the length you went into explaining the reasoning behind your preference. I used to get into this kind of discussion often with a friend who had a scientific background and preferred a view that provided a clear view of the identification features. I, on the other hand, have a liberal arts background and often have a preference for more “artsy” images.
“ a clear view of the identification features”. . .
Yes, I’ve noticed many times in the past when your photos capture exquisite detail of feathers, hairs, color, texture it’s almost like being there right next to the live subject. Great work.
Thanks again, Don, for your thoughtful and perceptive comments.
Both are lovely shots. I like the second one because who doesn’t love seeing a raccoon’s face? But my preference is for the first photo because of the twist in the pose. There is something engaging about the quirky position of the front versus rear feet and I love the way the light has picked out the ears and the muzzle.
Thanks, Laura. There is something quirky and unusual about the pose in the first photo–it almost looks like a bear cub. Truth be told, I think the two photos work well together, appealing to different people in different ways for different reasons. Why choose when you can have it all? 🙂
I have a slight preference for the first image, because it is a little different than the “classic” raccoon. It is easy to imagine he is trying to figure out what to do to get fed in this icy environment.
Thanks, Ellen. “Different” is often a good goal when trying to capture images that stand out. 🙂