Springboks

Gallery: WildlifePosted June 6, 20071,923 views16 comments

Male with his harem of female springboks photographed at Etosha National Park, Namibia.
This image was a challenge for two reasons: it was taken close to noontime. It was extremely hot and the light was rather harsh for most of the day. In a Split second, a small cloud covered the sun a caused a softer light condition, more suitable for the picture; unfortunately, the springboks decided at that time to move away and that is why they are all facing away from the picture. Inspite of this, I think it woks well, even though we do not see their heads.
No PS manipulations other than minimal levels adjustments and dodging on the white portion of their fur. Original image taking as RAW format.
Equipment: Canon 1Ds MII with Canon 600 mm f 4.0 + 2.0 extender (1200 mm).
at f/8.0 - 1/50 s @ ISO 100 - Beanbag. No flash.

You can see the rest of my gallery at: PhotoPortfolios.net.
Any comments / Critiques appreciated - Thank you.

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Charles Miller on June 6, 2007 at 11:45 AM

Hi Cesar - this image has a very ethereal quality to it in the beautifully out-of-focus grass. I don't mind at all that they are walking away - I foucs more on the shape of their antlers.

Registered on June 5, 2007, 5 Posts, 86 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Joubert on June 6, 2007 at 11:52 AM

Beautiful. I've been to Etosha/Namibia a few times and it's a wonderful place! (I grew up in South Africa). I love how you've isolated the Springbuck and the color of the veld is perfect.

Registered on November 30, 2006, 0 Posts, 47 Comments

Comment posted by Sam Rua on June 6, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Nice comp, Cesar. This is presented very well.

Registered on September 9, 2006, 130 Posts, 2281 Comments

Comment posted by Alice Scoggins on June 6, 2007 at 1:57 PM

Welcome to NPN Cesar. I think this works very well, I like them headed away from the viewer especially since the antlers on the buck are so well placed in the frame.

Registered on February 21, 2005, 430 Posts, 5959 Comments

Comment posted by James A McLaughlin on June 6, 2007 at 3:49 PM

I agree, the rear view is not a problem at all, this is a very nice image. Enviable sharpness at 1/50 with that great big rig, too...is it reasonably sharp larger?

Registered on April 3, 2007, 11 Posts, 27 Comments

Comment posted by Billy Fairburn on June 6, 2007 at 5:47 PM

Fantastic image. The dark area top left detracts a little in my opinion however, although this could easily be cloned out.

Regards,
Billy

Registered on March 3, 2007, 123 Posts, 717 Comments

Comment posted by Duane Rosenkranz on June 6, 2007 at 9:05 PM

I think it works too, very nice.

Registered on October 13, 2004, 280 Posts, 2661 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Harryman on June 6, 2007 at 9:41 PM

Nice composition and lighting. Good mood and emotional quality which makes a good photo great. Nice job.

Registered on May 28, 2007, 41 Posts, 22 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on June 7, 2007 at 1:03 AM

They seem to be part of the environment of dry grasses, very pleasing image Cesar. The horns on the one add a lot to the strength of this image and make the rear view more than acceptable (usually doesn't pass).

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

Comment posted by Jasper Doest on June 7, 2007 at 6:36 AM

I like how they blend with the background....very nice...but I think it would be nicer if there would be just a bit more space around them.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 371 Posts, 2101 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on June 7, 2007 at 8:28 AM

Very nice first post Cesar! I love the softness and subtle colours of the grasses surrounding the sprinkboks. Nice as posted, but I agree with Jasper that if there were more space around them, it would emphasize the vast open spaces these guys live in. Yet obviously it depends on what you want your image to show...

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

Comment posted by Ken Canning on June 8, 2007 at 4:41 PM

I like this very much. The OOF grass provides a very pleasing frame to the sprinboks. Here's a thought, clone out the lead animal such that the herd is being lead by the animal with its head up.

Registered on February 10, 2004, 88 Posts, 549 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on June 9, 2007 at 6:00 PM

Great shot! I really like the soft light in this shot. Almost looks like a painting.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on June 14, 2007 at 3:38 PM

Very nice post, Cesar.

I really like how the Springboks are traveling into BG. I especially like how you caught the one on the right with his head turned left.

Nice job.

Carol

Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments

Comment posted by David Kjaer on June 29, 2007 at 12:48 PM

Love it!

David

Registered on January 4, 2006, 128 Posts, 4170 Comments

Comment posted by Kari Post on November 16, 2007 at 7:17 AM

I love how the grass provides a very simple canvas for this composition. Well done.

Registered on January 27, 2007, 13 Posts, 195 Comments