Cape Buffalo at Sunset

From this angle, I'm not sure if having them facing the other way would've been more interesting or not, but I like this. You did a nice job pulling in the extreme tones from a single exposure, though it's bordering on an "HDR" look. You pulled this off pretty well, Richard.

Max

Max: thanks for the comment. I think there's a lesson here, which is: don't use Color Efex Pro's Tonal Contrast after a second glass of wine. Richard

Beautiful image. Amazing job dealing with the tonal contrasts in this image. It is a wall hanger.

Stunning image, Richard! I laughed out loud after reading your comment about Color Efex Pro mixed with wine...even without wine you can get tempted on some pretty cool-looking applications of that tool, but I don't think I've ever used it globally before...I like the results; if you were a little heavy with it, it's not by much IMO. I also think I prefer this view of the buffalos' faces as opposed to them gazing into the sun, but then again, if they were at just the right angles, that could be pretty epic. As it is, this definitely feels like a wall-hanger to me. Great work!

HDR effect or not, the effect is effective! I truly like the feel and positioning of the buffalo, better than if facing the sun. Good work.
And you have posted several notable pieces lately. I want to remind you that as a photo critique gallery, the vitality of this is dependent on people commenting on the postings of others. NPS guidelines suggests that you seek to come up with 5 comments for every time one posts an image. It is easily attainable if you just offer sincere reaction, noting positives and possibilities for improvement. Thanks for sharing this dandy.

Love the mood and I wouldn't trade them facing the sun for this lovely image Richard.
I agree the midtone and shadow recovery combined with highlights reduction in the foreground has given it an overtly auto-HDR feel...I would recommend experimenting with manual blending using luminosity layers and keeping the foreground a tad darker?

Many thanks to all who have commented. Your suggestions are appreciated. Mokrkel, I'm a real Photoshop novice and have just started to look at Tony Kuyper's web info re luminosity blending. Lots to learn. Richard

Pretty darn nice considering the dark subjects against the sunset. In fact I find my interest in the buffalo diluted by the attraction of the sun's orb. Still, a nice Pick. Congrats.

Congrats on the well deserved EP Richard

A beautiful photograph.

Many thanks to all who have looked and offered comments. It is appreciated. I'd also like today thanks to Lon for having chosen this photo as the weekly winner. That's high praise indeed given the level of excellence seen here. Richard