Photos

vapours (8258) 2012-04-26 1:46

Brilliant subject matter, we're quite used to close up animal shots but the lighting and the waters reflection is really what makes this shot work.

However, the horizon is crooked!

tyro (13021) 2012-04-26 2:14

Hello Rosemary,

Another wonderful photograph from Namibia! But it's not just the novelty of seeing pictures of places so removed from what we are used to here in Britain, but the timing and setting of this picture, like so many others of yours, are perfect.

Taken in early evening (if your exif data are correct), the lighting is superb - and lovely side/back lighting if I'm not mistaken as your map would tend to infer that you were looking almost due south - and "models" the forms of the giraffe beautifully against a lovely soft orange sky and its reflections in the calm water. Excellent composition, perfect exposure and, as always, exquisite sharpness.

But, if you want an opinion, I agree with Erdem - I prefer your workshop picture too: in that we see more details of the giraffe themselves and the lighting on their bodies is just delicious.

Not quite so sure about the horizon though - I certainly didn't think that it was anything less than straight when I first looked at it and that's something I tend to pick up on fairly quickly.

I loved your note too as I have always had an interest in comparative anatomy - a fascinating subject in which we can compare specific features of the anatomy of other creatures, particularly mammals, and how they relate to those of others, particularly ourselves. I knew about the interesting features of giraffes' circulatory systems which allow them still to provide a blood supply to their brains despite incredible variations in height of their heads, but what really intrigued me was that these creatures have such an efficient digestive system and can survive on what would be thought to be a totally inadequate food intake for their size. In fact, one of the most convincing arguments I have ever heard regarding the failure and subsequent extinction of Neanderthal Man is that it is reckoned that Neanderthal had a daily food energy requirement of about 4,000 calories a day whereas we can survive quite happily on half that amount. That sounds more convincing than theories that we killed them all off! And, of course, in an environment like this (or in northeast Africa where we humans all originated) getting food is the main challenge in life.

Wonderful!

Kind Regards,

John.

CLODO (24688) 2012-04-26 2:26

Hi Rosemary

A superb soft light, a quietness in the water and the sky, and the bunch of girafes. It's a pity that 2 are overlapping, I am sure that a few seconds after, you could have had a perfect shot.
Nevertheless, congratulations
CLODO

Royaldevon (17741) 2012-04-26 4:13

Hello Rosemary,

It is a treat to see shots of nature that are such a contrast to what we would see at home! I like both shots but, for me, this one has that tranquility, that calm unawaredness - I think I might have invented a new word!
The amber b/g helps set the mood whilst the long graceful-necked animals appear to do everything in slow motion, emphasising the mood.
I find it just delightful.

Have a lovely day,
Bev :-)

Sergiom (39122) 2012-04-26 5:06

Bonjour Rosemary,

J'aime beaucoup cette belle lumière de fin de journée. On sent que le calme s'installe dans la nature et dans l'atmosphère. Un très beau cadrage sur les girafes.

Amicalement

Serge

gildasjan (38166) 2012-04-26 8:36

Bonjour Rosemary
Ce dégradé doux dans le ciel donne toute sa beauté à cette réalisation.
Amicalement
gildas

bukitgolfb301 (30039) 2012-04-26 17:54

Hello my dear Rosemary

Greatest nature shot!
Very attractive and fantastic shot with tasteful calm colors and lights. Thanks for your sharing with your best job and have a good last working day, best regards,

Takero from Tokyo

paololg (31442) 2012-04-26 23:29

Ciao dear Rosemary,
beautiful picture, a picture that is a dream for us Europeans! The giraffe, the landscape and the light give the perfect feel and mood of Africa, the real one. Congratulations also for the excellent sharpness and for the good light management!
Ciao, have a nice Friday!
Paolo

corjan3 (1877) 2012-04-27 5:50

Hello Rosemary,
This is wonderful. I visited Etosha many times and the closest I ever got to seeing the pan filled with water was to see a pool in the far distance....and it could have been a mirage too... and that with having been able to visit during the rainy season when Etosha used to be closed to tourists during that time. I also slightly prefer the WS version but both images are very good. What a beautiful scene.

BTW, the "slanting" horizon could be the natural lie of the land. It could be "corrected" but one would not want the giraffe to end up on their backsides :)- with those long necks they could easily lose their balance. The water's edge also does not need to be "horizontal" as we are not looking at a dam wall here. The concepts of "horizontal" and "vertical" are man-made anyway and for practical reasons, mainly the influence of gravity - for example, we make the floors of our homes horizontal so that we do not wake up in the far corner, having been shifted there by gravity during the night. For me, they are of little importance in photography and the related visual arts. (No two vertical lines are parallel anyway, with the same applying to their accompanying horizontals)

Your note is very informative. Thank you and best wishes.

siudzi (23837) 2012-04-28 11:08

Hi Rosemary,

Truly awesome shot of this beautiful scene. Love the soft lighting and pastel tones of the sky. Very charming image. TFS.

Regards,
Malgorzata

ebingul (1760) 2012-04-28 12:13

Hello Rosemary,
What a serene and fine wild life/nature shot with soft evening light.Great POV and DOF with great colours.
Congrats and best regards,
Emin

npecanhuk (53861) 2012-04-29 11:32

Hello Rosemary!
What a beautiful and lovely moment!
I love the tones (due to great management of light too)!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Silvio1953 (98001) 2012-04-30 6:00

Ciao Rosemary, fascinating composition with lovely creatures at driimk, fantastic sky, romantic african atmosphere, wonderful warm colors and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Waylim (22349) 2012-05-01 18:29

Hi Rosemary,

Beautiful shot, the whole scenery is like a paradise. the presence of the giraffe off course make the whole composition what it is. However the light is also an important role as well as the wetland. Beautiful composition and peaceful and lovely atmosphere.

Way