The Lonesome Stroller

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 12, 2013181 views8 comments

When I was photographing these elephants in the forests of Mana Pools last year, I tried various compositions to place the viewer in the scene and show some context. This is one of them. The light in this place is awesome.

I can't wait to be back this year to show other photographers the "Mana Magic".

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f4.0 | 1/800 SS | ISO-280
Taken on foot (to be done with experienced guides)

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on April 13, 2013 at 9:27 AM

Great lighting and a very pleasing atmosphere. I like how the tree starts on the left frame and they continue evenly placed heading to the back corner, wrapping around the elephant

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on April 13, 2013 at 7:37 PM

The oof foreground areas and narrow dof gives me that voyeur feeling, like looking through a keyhole, very effective. I think that the photo would have a little more impact if the elephant had stopped in one of those fingers of light rather than in the shade. Cool photo.

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

Comment posted by Max Waugh on April 14, 2013 at 12:07 PM

Normally I'd say the left-most dark trunk is a distraction, but I think it helps the perspective and adds even more depth to the image when combined with the two "levels" of trees in the center and right. Nice one, Morkel. It gives a great feel for the place.

Max

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 14, 2013 at 6:34 PM

I agree light on the subject would have been a fine bonus. You succeeded in conveying the sense of place with a well composed shot.

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

Comment posted by Richard Teller on April 14, 2013 at 7:32 PM

I really like the composition and the light in this image. the way the line of trees from front to back form a line behind the elephant.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on April 15, 2013 at 12:52 AM

I really like how you have composed this Morkel; the trees work nicely as a leading line towards the elephant. The selective focus aids further in making the ellie the focal point in a relatively busy scene. On top of that great light indeed!

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

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on April 16, 2013 at 12:10 AM

Thanks for your thoughts and comments, everyone.
The ele seemed to spitefully avoid the sunlit patches during this walk

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

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on April 17, 2013 at 7:52 AM

I can see you are a 'Mana Maniac', and can also see why! This scene is so much like the ones we got to see in Botswana; in fact, this could be one of our camping sites that Vincent chose!

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