Time to Go!

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 6, 2010379 views7 comments

My one and only decent Black Rhino shot from our trip to South Africa. We saw this one in Karoo NP just before he lowered his head and charged the car sending us scurrying down the road with the Rhino in hot pursuit. He then disappeared into an acacia filled dry river bed. Despite being relatively early in the morning, the lighting is incredibly harsh in the Karoo landscape. Comments and suggestions always appreciated. Thanks for looking!

Canon EOS 7D
Canon 100-400L @ 210mm
ISO 500, F11, 1/1,250 sec

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by David Sewell on December 7, 2010 at 6:03 AM

It looks as though he was slightly higher than you, Joe, which helps give an air of menace.You may only have one decent shot, but far better a single shot like this than a dozen mediocre ones.

David

Registered on September 10, 2008, 63 Posts, 801 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on December 7, 2010 at 12:14 PM

Black rhinos are always more than a treat to observe. Congrats on this one Joseph. The lighting is difficult, but I think you handled it well and portrayed the environment very nicely. Well done.

Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on December 7, 2010 at 12:45 PM

This is definitely a decent shot Joe. I do find the protruding shrub right in front of the rhino a bit unfortunate and also wished the tip of the horn would have been there, but obviously this was entirely beyond your control.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on December 7, 2010 at 11:09 PM

The head on pose gets one's attention.

The detail is better in the large version. I like your low perspective, but somehow I wish for less off foreground.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on December 8, 2010 at 12:29 AM

I just love these short-tempered guys! They wake you up like no other animal can! Black rhinos are always difficult to photograph in a way that can enhance their appeal - they are so boringly uni-coloured, but you have done well on this.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on December 8, 2010 at 11:22 PM

Nice head on shot with both eyes visible. I like the slight upward angle and surrounding habitat. Might try smoothing out the BG a touch but wouldn't change anything else. Would certainly be please if this was my one and only keeper.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Joe James on December 9, 2010 at 9:16 PM

Thanks for the comments folks! Sure do wish the very next photo had come out "in focus" as that was the last one before I had to set the camera down, put the car in drive and stomp on the gas. He instantly went into full charge mode with his head down and cocked sideways just a bit, would have been a real keeper but I was in Single Shot focus mode and didn't re-compose before hitting the release. It's really amazing how much ground these big guys can cover when they set their minds to it. Cheers!

Registered on November 20, 2009, 89 Posts, 808 Comments