The Black Rhino

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 14, 201193 views9 comments

Rhino numbers are taking a serious beating in the last few years due to an increase in poaching fueled by one of the most silly notions of virility in the history of mankind.

I therefore counted myself extremely lucky to come across this brute last year on safari. I did a lot of layered B&W converting & toning here to get the effect I was after with the grasses subtly reduced to make the rhino pop a bit more.

All feedback appreciated.

I am going on a 3 week trip from Saturday (which includes a stint in Botswana) and will not be active until I return.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on April 14, 2011 at 3:55 PM

Morkel, I think this is incredible. I love the soft flowing grasses, the rhino's stare and placement in the frame are ideal. For me a very moving image. Well done!!!

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

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on April 14, 2011 at 8:19 PM

Morkel. I like the use of B&W here. It makes us look at line, form and texture without having the color get in the way. Were you trying for a dangerous feel with the darker tonal palette (given is power and menace)?

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 14, 2011 at 11:19 PM

The highlighted bent grasses are the element that moves this up a level. Nice.

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

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on April 15, 2011 at 9:40 AM

Wonderful choice for B&W, the image has a whole lot of impact. Great job Morkel and very much looking forward to seeing some of the images you come back with, wishing you a great trip ahead :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on April 15, 2011 at 4:52 PM

thanks for the kind feedback!

Rick - I was indeed going for a darker feel, both because of the imposing animal and because of the "dark future" they face...

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on April 16, 2011 at 4:38 PM

Like this one Morkel. Perfect subject for the BW conversion. Pose, light, and bending grasses all make it top notch. Good luck on your trip. I know if you get the sightings, you'll get the pics.

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on April 17, 2011 at 9:50 AM

Hi Morkel,

I think you totally accomplished your goal - the rhino does pop and there is definitely an ominous tone here. An impactful image - well done.

Enjoy your trip - looking forward to seeing what you come back with!).

Cheers...

Brad