Sunset Hartebeest

A very pleasing portrait Joe

The light being on one side is no big deal but maybe you could slightly lighten the right eye.

I like the lighting and for me it is always a treat to observe this species. Thanks for sharing this image Joseph.

Hi Joe, well I do remember posting a Red Hartebeest or two in the gallery before . I actually quite like these funny looking antelope. They take some getting used to, but once you do, you will get to appreciate them. Generally they are very curious by nature and will check you out thoroughly and may even approach closer to do so. They are the second fastest antelope species in Southern Africa (after the Springbok).
Gorgeous light you had here. I do not mind the head being half shaded especially since there is good shadow detail. Somehow I wish that large green bush in front of him was not there though (not that I am suggesting cloning it out. )

I like this pretty much as posted. The faint edge of backlighting along the back helps outline the antelope quite well. I assume you have selectively processed the shadow side to maximize detail? If not, I would be attempted to carefully tweak with hopes of seeing the shadowed eye a little more clearly. I do not mind the bush in front and feel it contributes to the overall sense of place and an animal's instinct to stand "behind" something as it views you.

Thanks folks! Lon, you are correct in that I've already boosted the shadow detail a tad and any more was starting to look unnatural so this was about as good as I could get it. I was hoping he'd turn a bit more which he did but then kept his head down in the bushes.

Vincent - thanks for the extra info on these guys! I didn't realize they were the 2nd fastest Antelope even though the ones in Karoo could really get up and go when they felt like it.