The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
During a recent trip to Africa, I had the opportunity to shoot from a hide. The hide was recessed about 4.5 feet into the ground and a man made water hole was created in front of it. Being this low offered a very different perspective when compared to shooting from a vehicle. I was lucky to take this image of a trio of elephants all with their trunks curled.
Specific Feedback
I would have liked a bit more separation of the elephants, but…
I originally cropped this with much less dirt showing, but it just didn’t seem substantial enough for the animals.
Technical Details
1/640, f/5.6 and Auto ISO at 1000 at 31mm focal length. Cropped tok about 80% of original size.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
This is excellent Richard. I like your second crop best. I think having the three elephants close gives a sense of protecting the little one and intimacy as a family. I love how the sizes are progressive. The lighting is also top notch, both with the elephants and their surroundings. Definitely not too much earth, especially from your POV. It can’t get much better than this one.
Very cool!! An excellent perspective and great timing! Lighting and detail on the elephants is perfect. I also lean toward the second crop but have no complaint with either!
Richard, what stands out to me right away is the low-angle perspective that really brings out the majesty of these elephants. Being nearly on their level, it feels like we’re right there with them, sharing the moment as they take in the water. The timing of catching all three with their trunks curled is impeccable—it adds a sense of unity and connection among them.
In terms of composition, I see where you’re coming from about wanting more separation between the elephants, but I think their close formation adds to the storytelling here. It speaks to the familial bond and the strength of the herd. The added dirt in the foreground definitely grounds the image, giving it the heft and presence that these animals deserve.
Could just be my eye but the horizon line seems a tad skew, a minor issue if one at all. Overall, this shot captures both the grandeur and the intimacy of these magnificent creatures beautifully.
Congratulations Richard. By shooting up at the group without the usual large expanse of water in the foreground you have made it look like a non-hide image. This also shows the impressive size of the animals. The slightly tilted forefoot of the mother and the water droplets prevent it from looking like a static image. Well done.
Richard, this is another exceptional image. The elephant family, with all drinking in similar poses, is quite stunning. I also like the second crop. Detail is perfect, all eyes visible, and the low perspective adds a higher dimension to the image.
My only suggestion would be to remove the distant tree intersecting the male`s tail, s it draws my eye a bit,
Truly fine work!
The water drops originating from the biggest elephant sealed the deal for me. Lighting and POV is spot on. If you could, check the horizon and correct if necessary. Its pretty close so you should be alright. I like the tight arrangement of the elephants. Awesome…Jim
Ed, Diane, Don, Sandy, Garnet and Jim: many thanks for. your comments. Obviously I still have not figured out how to remove a photo and replace it with another which was my intention.
Don: in which direction does the horizon appear off to you? When leveling I used the water line as a reference. Thanks for noticing.
Jay: thanks for your comment and suggestion. I shot this frame very early in the morning and have darkened it a bit.
Would you please substitute the second crop for the first. It was my intention to do so, but don’t know how. Thanks again, Richard
Hi Richard:
When I need to edit and repost, I simply go to the pencil icon under my full post. Then you can select and cut the Edited image you posted on the bottom, and, making sure you have enough space at the very top of your post, you can drop/paste the new image at the very top of the post. That puts it first in line. It is best to note that it is the Edited Version or something like that and perhaps write a note under the next posting that indicates it is the Original Version.
