Buffalo Henchmen

Gallery: WildlifePosted July 30, 2012166 views10 comments

Some Cape Buffalo checking me out in the forests of Mana Pools. I cannot get over how awesome this setting is for wildlife photography, and how primal the place feels...like the Africa you read about in Hemingway.

I was on foot. It was awesome.

Techs:
Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR-II @ 200mm
f5.6 @ 1/250 SS @ ISO-360
Slight crop from top and left for composition

PS: click the larger view, you know you want to...

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Wick Smith on July 30, 2012 at 6:45 PM

I hope you were fleet of foot! They look like they were not pleased. Great shot. It must have been quite an experience.

Registered on June 12, 2009, 91 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on July 30, 2012 at 8:25 PM

Well done, primal indeed! I like the hazy soft light, the twisted forms of the trees, and the buffalo look appropriately fierce. I like the birds on the one buffalo's back. I wish all four had lined up for you, but three is good.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Jamie Douglas on July 31, 2012 at 12:32 AM

This place is now on my wish list. Being on foot out there must have a been quite the experience.

Fancy trading countries for a month?

Jamie

Registered on July 16, 2012, 10 Posts, 87 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on July 31, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Hey Morkel,

This is another example of the quality of work we have come to expect from you. Imposing entourage nicely captured (in sweet light) in a great setting. I quite like the birds on the back of the one bull - almost like they're saying "awww...these guys are so tough once you get to know them!"

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on July 31, 2012 at 4:07 PM

Lovley light and very lush setting Morkel! Looks like an awesome place for some photography

I like how the stance of the buffalo radiates toughness...

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on August 1, 2012 at 3:29 AM

Thanks for your feedback, guys. I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the blue-ish tone in the BG. It was quite hazy in the forest that day, so although I toned down the blue somewhat I wanted to retain the feeling/mood I recall from the scene.

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 1, 2012 at 3:59 AM

This is a thrilling photograph to look at (especially the large version), a great habitat scene along with three very very attentive buffalo.

Excellent Work Morkel

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 1, 2012 at 8:36 PM

Perhaps some of my response to this is emotionally based on my experience of having visited Mano Pools many years ago. To me this nails the place! Superb capture.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on August 2, 2012 at 1:14 PM

Very nice balanced composition. I like the look they are giving and the birds on the back really add to the image for me. Sounds like a magical place, excellent shot.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on March 16, 2013 at 6:01 PM

Thanks guys...

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