Mean, moody and malevolent+repost

Another shot from my trip to Zambia in 2008. I wanted to catch the malevolent eye of the buffalo. Not quite what I was after, but near enough.

David

Nikon D200, 50-500mm Sigma @500mm, 1/125th @f9, 400 iso

Brett Lewis suggested to me that this might look better in b&w. I am no great fan of b&w for wildlife shots, but in this case I think he has a good point. What do others think?

David

I like this David and think it lends itself to B&W. The details in the horns, ears, and even the mud on the shoulder lend themselves to this kind of treatment I think. The light has been handled very well with just the right amount of detail being retained in the shadows. Awesome beast, nicely portrayed.

Brett

Was gonna suggest the same thing myself! The texture in this shot is great, as is the light/dark balance with the side lighting.

Greg

Hi David,

I also prefer the b & w version, nice shot! Does look a bit on the mean side

Cheers,

Lewis.

Nice image David. Works well in B&W, how about removing the background completely (should be very simple with this shot) may give it a bit more impact?

Hope to see you soon

Tony

B+W for me, the subject is very suited and a very nice image to boot

The pano and mono works for me , loosing the grass stalks also a good move.

I agree I think the B & W brings out a lot more detail. I think he looks moody rather than mean.

Nice shot David and the mono conversion really suits the mean and moody look

Great portrait - not one to tangle with!

David