Ghostly Duo

I think this looks great in monochrome. The dark patch in the right background keeps drawing my eye a bit, but I do think the lone tree in the center keeps our attention in the middle of the frame well enough. I'd even be tempted to suggest a square crop to eliminate more of the dark patch...

Max

I really like this image. The B&W conversion adds a real feeling of power to the picture. I also like the amount of environment you included along with the turn of their heads, both in the same direction. That adds a little, what are they looking at mystery to the image.

I am fine with the comp as posted. I would like to see it in color for comparison...

Morkel, I absolutely love this. I mean this is off the charts. Just fabulous environmental portraiture with wonderful mood created by the poses and expressions of your subjects and your decisions both in the field and at the computer. Stunning.

The low angle is what makes this stand out. The decision to go monochrome in this, and the fact that these are so highly endangered conveys a 1960's look that is so appropriate.

Hi Morkel,

Impressive capture of an iconic species. I like the tentative/cautious "air" that is given off by their poses. Nice.

I'm with Lon in wishing to see the colour version to compare to the B&W. To me the shot feels a bit harsh - can't really explain why. Perhaps it's got to do with what Max has pointed out re: dark patch on the right side? While rarely a fan of square(isn) crops, I can see the logic of presenting this one in a more square format.

Nice job of looking a little outside the norm on this one - you do that a lot and I think it's great!

Cheers...

Brad

Thanks a bunch, folks.
Herewith the colour version. The dark trees/border came about naturally given the colour filter I applied in conversion - I did very little burning etc.

Great in monochrome Morkel ! wouldn't change a thing . . . but wouldn't mind seeing it in color

Thanx Mario - could you not see the colour version above your comment??

Hi again, Morkel! Well, I must admit the colour image is fantastic as well and outstanding in its own right, but you made the decision to create a B&W work of art from this file and I respect that and affirm it's a stunning image as presented (as I carried on about earlier). This is definitely one that has great marketability in either B&W or colour. Personally, I wish you HADN'T shown us the colour version as now I feel compelled to pick a favourite! I'm going to take the easy way out and say if it spoke to you as the artist in B&W, that's the one (but stink the colour version is I think equally off the charts). How's that for being non-committal?

Hi Morkel,

Both are strong images - but have to say I prefer the colour version - for me if feels somehow "softer" and thus a bit more in-keeping with the mother-offspring relationship.

Cheers...

Brad

I like the B&W decision on this Morkel and great job even getting a lens on these guys. Form what I have heard, not an easy animal to even get in the frame. With that said, my only nit on this is the middle of the frame seems to be harsh and the BG keeps pulling my eye from the subjects and almost overpowers them. Wondering what it might look like if you balanced out the exposure more throughout the frame and pulled down some of the highlights in the center? Just a thought...either way, still love the shot. I personally prefer the B&W.

Needless to say I prefer the colour version, the waterhole looks familiar to me and if it is where I think iy is you often see Black Rhino there plus you have the advantage of a low viewpoint even from a vehicle.