Warthog

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 12, 2016221 views6 comments

I spent some time in a couple of photographic hides during my South Africa trip in July. Once or twice a warthog came in to drink at the watering hole in front of the hide. Due to my proximity, I was able to try a few semi-abstracts with my big lens. The warthog is not a pretty animal, but they do have beautiful eyes.

Normally I would not retain this much empty space (at right) in a composition, and I think some folks would opt for a vertical presentation. But in this case I see three layers: the front of the face, the OOF body and the empty space. I liked how these tiers sort of fade off in relatively even steps to the right, so I kept it horizontal.

Canon 1DX
Canon 600mm
ISO 1600
1/320th
f/4

Max

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on October 12, 2016 at 2:36 PM

Hi Max, good call, like the transition of BKG changes, as it leads you to the subject. Nice detail in the warmth/saturation of the eye -that just sings. Loosing the blue surround I think will amplify the eye, as it would create more of a 'monochromatic surround, and hone the viewers eye even more to the image.

TFS
Steve

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Jake Alletson on October 12, 2016 at 11:46 PM

I like this image with its empty space and would keep it just as you have presented it. As you say they are superficially not very beautiful animals but they are great characters if you take time to watch them. There are plenty within 10 minutes of my suburban home and we often see them when out on our mountain bikes. In fact we have even named a "Warty Hill" where a family can always be found, and where you have lots of time to watch, if you are going up the hill. The farmers hate them as they can wriggle and burrow under almost any fence and can be very damaging to crops.

Registered on May 3, 2016, 12 Posts, 163 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on October 15, 2016 at 12:42 PM

Max: very well planned and captured. I agree the the stepoffs work well. Congrats!! Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on October 18, 2016 at 1:59 AM

Max ..you ve nailed this one. Beautully crafted ...

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on October 19, 2016 at 2:19 PM

Hi Max,

I like this one alot - and I fully agree with your approach and retaining all 3 layers. To me this is a compelling image and directs the eye of the viewer very well. I love the transition from spectacular detail an texture (and high contrast) on the left through to complete softness (and low contrast) on the right. Well done.

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Thomas Haney on October 24, 2016 at 7:49 PM

I really like this Max, and vertical would have been fine also, but I this is composition works great also.

Registered on April 7, 2013, 138 Posts, 537 Comments