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Out of The Dark
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Out of The Dark

by Mario Moreno

Gallery: WildlifePosted September 23, 2014254 views12 comments
My contribution to World Rhino Day

A White Rhinoceros or Square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) captured in Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The title of this image suggests the hope I personally have for this fascinating creature rather than the deppressing reality. Shortly after capturing this image three rhinos were found dead on the open plains of this reserve. It is uncertain if this rhino was one of the unfortunate animals. This is one of the five species of rhinoceros that still exist

Techs before conversion in Silver Efex Pro are :

EOS 5D MK II - EF300mm f2.8L IS USM - 1/500sec @ f8 - ISO 200

Comments

12 comments
Comment posted by Roel Wijtmans on September 23, 2014 at 6:13 AM
Magnificent picture! I really like the lighting coming from a higher point, it's just perfect. Really fascinating image!
Registered on September 30, 2012, 116 Posts, 2257 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Sandor on September 23, 2014 at 9:47 AM
A unique and excellent capture which emphasizes the mass and strength of the animal. It's really a beautiful photo. Sadly, one of the things I was told while in Africa is that the gangs that control the poaching have stated a wish to exterminate rhinos. Their rationale is that the stockpile of rhino horns that they possess will become even more valuable. Richard
Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments
Comment posted by Butch Lama on September 23, 2014 at 4:01 PM
WOW... It's a critique delight image with great visual impact. :toast: :toast: :toast:
Registered on July 23, 2010, 42 Posts, 316 Comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on September 23, 2014 at 10:12 PM
Awesome photo with incredible impact. Well done.
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on September 23, 2014 at 11:38 PM
Mario,
I am not normally a fan of black and white but this will be a stunning exception :toast: :toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on September 23, 2014 at 11:48 PM
Stunning, Mario. Simply stunning. :toast: :toast:
Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments
Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on September 24, 2014 at 1:13 AM
This is gorgeous, Mario. I really hope this rhino was not one of the ones found dead. Hopefully, the rhino poaching will come to an end!
Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on September 25, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Hi Mario,

Thanks for the message and - of course - the powerful photo. Very strong as posted and my only thoughts even close to a "nit" are that it seems slightly tight on top and with a bit too much space below (for my taste). If this were mine I'd shift the subject very slightly to the left and down.

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by John Launstein on September 25, 2014 at 2:31 PM
Hi Mario - WOW :eek: One of the most striking and beautifully artistic images I've seen of any species of rhino. I love everything about this, though do agree with Brad's suggestions on an alternate crop.

I did notice some funky light/dark "haloing" effect around the rhino, though...most noticeable in front of its head and horn and behind its back leg, but observable elsewhere. Certainly worth revisiting for this spectacular image.
Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments
Comment posted by David Bogener on September 25, 2014 at 5:11 PM
Love the dramatic lighting and an appropriate title. Love it.
Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 26, 2014 at 8:11 PM
I like this a lot. Only thing I thought, and it might just be me because no one else suggested it, is that it might be stronger if you gave a little more light to the legs and ground to help anchor him against the background. I think the power of this lighting is worth bits of tweaking! Nice work.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on October 4, 2014 at 6:37 PM
mysterious and intriguing! i like how the skin makes the animal look armored-- something that is particularly striking for me in this image. I noticed right away. Great Pick. Congratulations! :cool:
Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments