Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (C)

[Robert La Follette]

This is Indy, an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin that is a permanent resident at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This was taken through the stranding tank window, and while I was standing there, he saw me, and brought his hula-hoop and wanted to play.

http://galleries.robertlafollette.com/tampabay/images/rjla_tampabay1577.jpg

Canon 40D
Canon 17-40L

1/200 @ f/6.3 ISO 800

-robert.

[DanWalters]

Really like the wide angle view and the comp. Very sharp image.

[Jasper Doest]

Too bad he brought his hula-hoop....otherwise this would have been very very nice. Now the hoop is a bit distracting. I love the wide-angle approach here...and the curve made by its body. Very nicely done.

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Great photo Robert! I too love the wide angle view here and the curved body pose. About the hoop I would like to add that from a nature photography point of view it would be better without. However, the image with the hoop can be symbolise the relationship between people and dolphins and that they are very playfull animals who love to perform their acrobatics for an audience. I mean to say that it can still be a very purposeful (and commercially succesful) image depending on what message you are trying to convey.

[Vincent Grafhorst]

Btw, I love your colourful photography featuring on your website.:cool: