Black Mamba

Image Critiques Wildlife Critiques
1

RJB03750 copy 2XNB.jpg
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RJB03761 copy 3XNB.jpg
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All 8 feet of it

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Botswana
This thing rose up from the grass right next to our vehicle and reminded us how dangerous Africa can be. Our guide estimated this one at about 8 feet; they can grow up to 14 feet. EEEKKK
Black mambas are fast, nervous, lethally venomous, and when threatened, highly aggressive. They have been blamed for numerous human deaths, and African myths exaggerate their capabilities to legendary proportions. For these reasons, the black mamba is widely considered the world’s deadliest snake.

Specific Feedback

comments and suggestions welcome

Technical Details

Sony A1
200-600 @ 600mm
Date Taken: 2023-05-13 01:42:41
Exposure Time: 1/2500 sec
F Number: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 800
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Processed with DxO Pure Raw and PS 25

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1 Like
2

Interesting shots Sandy. Nice capture on the close one. Beautiful animals but best kept at 600mm.
But are they both at 600mm, and is the close-up a crop of a similar frame to the second? Or is it just the close-up that’s at 600? (sorry to be pedantic I am curious).
The close-up does look more like a crop to me. There’s something about it that doesn’t quite have the overall detail sharpness and quality of much of your work.

3

@Ryan_H
Hi, Ryan - the closeup is from an image about the same size as the full-body one. I wasn’t getting closer than 25 feet! I only posted the second - poor quality - one to show the size of this thing… he was slithering away in the grass, and no nice light as in the first image.
Thanks for looking and commenting!

4

That first one is very cool!! Nice detail on the snake and an interesting BG. Hope the driver had his foot on the clutch for a quick re-positioning.