Here's another species, the Waterbuck. This animal has earned its name because it is highly dependent on water, more so than any other antelope. In comparison with the Gemsbok - who needs about 4 L of water daily - the Waterbuck needs at least 9L of water per day and in fact much more under heat stress. Only males have horns. And they weigh a hefty 250 kilograms... Life span is about fourteen years.
I remember this youngster was lying down when we arrived at the scene. He seemed quite relaxed but then suddenly got up when I lifted the camera gear to place it on the bean bag. So I took a couple of rushed shots, afraid he would turn away. Light was a bit harsh. I am not entirely happy with the framing because there is quite a bit of space on the RHS and not enough in front of my subject. So I ended up with the Waterbuck in the middle of the frame.
Nevertheless thought I'd share because it is such a beautiful species and I do not see a lot of images of them here in the Wildlife Forum. Image processed in LR Classic and Photoshop 2022. Removed two tiny flies which I thought did not add to the image.
Techs as follows:
Nikon D5
Nikon 500mm F4
ISO 1250
F9
1/3 EV
1/2000s
Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week-end, and many thanks for your comments and time to view, always appreciated!
Kind regards,
07-11-2022, 02:16 AM
Jonathan Ashton
Hi Gabriela I agree the composition is a little less than conventional, extending canvas to the left helps a little - but not much, how about a portrait orientation to include a little more shoulder and perhaps a little less back? The image is clean as a whistle and the waterbuck looks freshly showered and dried! Beautiful tone and colours, the background is ideal. I enjoyed this very much.
07-11-2022, 10:04 AM
Andreas Liedmann
Hi Gabriela .. super portrait work !!!!!!
stunning iq and beautifully processed , love the fine presented hair structure .... very very well done .
crop and comp are a matter of taste .... I am ok with the frame as presented .
only thing I might change is pushing a bit more life into those eyes
a real peach and tfs A
07-11-2022, 10:26 AM
Sanjeev Aurangabadkar
A solid portrait Gabriela. It works as is for me. Great amount of detail and sharp as tack! Love the colours too and the head angle is fine. Well done.
07-11-2022, 11:04 AM
Gabriela Plesea
Thank you Jon, Andreas and Sanjeev, glad you liked this. I thought of doing a number of things like extending canvas or a vertical crop but decided to post as is so I can hear your opinions. Have a number of images taken afterwards but head angle not as good. The eye was very dark, I lifted it a bit, felt it looked awkward if I lifted more but I will try again. Thank you so much once again!
Kind regards,
07-11-2022, 04:08 PM
Joseph Przybyla
Hi Gabriela, wonder filled portrait of this antelope. I think your post processing is really well done. I read the comments of others regarding the composition, I had a go with the image trying options, after doing that I think you have the best possible. Thank you for sharing.
07-12-2022, 12:42 AM
Gabriela Plesea
Thank you Joe, so kind of you to pop and and comment, I so appreciate it!