Giraffe Mimic

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 18, 2012234 views10 comments

Time to post something from Mana Pools again. This was taken in late afternoon light, on foot (don't try this without responsible guides).

I had to bring back some shadow detail as the bull was standing right in the shade of the tree. The dynamic range of the new Nikon sensors is a delight.

Techs:
Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR-II @ 200mm
f8.0 @ 1/400 SS @ ISO-640
About 90% of full frame, shot in portrait orientation

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on November 18, 2012 at 3:14 PM

Just excellent, Morkel. This really shows the power, size and strength of this beast. Seeing an eye and another leg would be great, but I wouldn't like to be in that position as a photographer!

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

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on November 18, 2012 at 9:42 PM

Wow! Just imagine trying to balance about 6 tonnes, or more, on two legs! The low angle really shows off the massive proportions and the immense reach of these animals.

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 18, 2012 at 9:49 PM

Your excellent low perspective really adds to the feeling of immense animal and precarious balance. Nicely done!

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

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on November 19, 2012 at 7:43 AM

Great balancing act, captured nicely!
I do wish that sky was more cooperative.
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 19, 2012 at 7:47 AM

Hey Morkel,

Wow - this is an amazing sight. When I look at this I can't help thinking about load factors and biomechanics! Funny how it almost seems like it's using its tail to help balance itself...

Looks like you had tough lighting to deal with here but you handled it well. Too bad you weren't given a little better sky to work with, but...nothing you could do about that...

Cheers...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Max Waugh on November 19, 2012 at 7:35 PM

Speaking of balance, I like that you have enough green in the background to balance the top and bottom of the image. Though it doesn't fully negate the sky Brad mentioned, it's a big help.

By the way, I was half-expecting a couple paragraphs in Italian from you.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 19, 2012 at 11:33 PM

Wow, I'm looking at an elephant balancing on his hind legs! I'm kind of a tree lover, can't imagine the degree of destruction they could inflict on the poor tree. Back to the photo, great exposure and good comp. Looks like you got down low to further emphasize the height of this behemoth.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ester van Dam on November 21, 2012 at 5:24 AM

Wow excellent timing! I agree see another leg would be nice but sometims it isn't possible to think to long. Great shot though!

Registered on August 30, 2011, 50 Posts, 103 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on December 2, 2012 at 2:38 PM

Thanks for your great response, folks...

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

Comment posted by Josiah Launstein on January 26, 2013 at 9:35 PM

This is so cool! How did you ever get this picture?! I've never seen an elephant stand up for food before. I like how you can see his trunk grabbing onto the branches. I like how this picture shows where he is.

Registered on January 26, 2013, 52 Posts, 126 Comments