Elephant Procession

Hi Morkel. I like the black and white treatment a lot. I do get the sensation that the herd is moving with haste and purpose. I think that the composition is off just a little, perhaps slightly less grassy foreground a more open space above the herd would work better. The dark area in the ulc has quite a bit of weight and is an eye grabber where it isn't desired. That elephant in the same corner seems a little confused as well, running off in the wrong direction.

I like the b&w treatment, the intensity with which the herd is moving, and the separation that you have managed to get. The only nit is the odd one that is moving in the wrong direction.

Tough one. Bw - works. Balance and framing (for me) not so much. Too much foreground. Which gives this a top heavy feeling. I might (hate to say it) clone out the fellows in the back left which also add to this off balance feel...just my opinion. Still a great shot in terms of sharpness and subject....you have room to work...

Hi Morkel,

Gary has done a very thorough job evaluating this image and I agree with much of what he says and won't repeat. I think the B&W/sepia treatment works well here, tho' I always struggle with saying it's the "right way to go with this shot" without seeing the colour counterpart. For me the number one thing which prevented me from fully appreciating this shot - and the unison of movement towards the waterhole - is the single elephant in the upper left corner. That one also pulls my eye away from the pleasing triangle formed by the other four elephants (with the 3 forming a single side of the triangle). I did think "too much foreground" when I first opened the image, but this is something much more easily dealt (by simple cropping if you so choose) than the elephant in the corner.

Cheers...thanks for sharing this one...

Brad

Thanks for the detailed feedback, folks. I knew the top-left one would be an issue, as it's bugged me too but the next frames don't have as pleasing an arrangement of the moving elephants...would perhaps look at processing them anyway.

Lovely Elephant image Morkel! Basicly Gary and Brad already covered everything, so all I have to say is; great image!