The Matriarch

Masai Mara 2005. This matriarch had produced twins (documented by researchers studying in the Mara at the time) and I had seen photos of them when they were small, published in SWARA, the East African Wildlife Society's magazine. I never expected to see them in the flesh and on our last morning drive, on the way to the airstrip, we came across this family group containing the elephant cow and the two calves. They have grown at different rates which I imagine is due to the bigger one getting more than its' fair share of milk. I have photos of both suckling but chose this one because I liked the family grouping and activity contained within it.

I applied a Nik Efex duplex filter to give the image a bit of warmth and an older feel, without going fully to b&w or sepia. I may post the unfiltered image in the wildlife forum but I don't like it as much.

This is full frame so no more space available. C & C welcomed of course.

Nice grouping of the ellies, Hilary, and thanks for sharing the story about the twins. I do like the effect achieved with the filters; it does give it a vintage feel. I'll look forward to seeing the original in the wildlife forum.

Nice image and application, Hilary.

One of my favorite subjects, when I can find them roaming southern Florida! :D

You could add canvas and clone the edge, if you wished to open the image up a bit, but I like it as is too.

Hilary, I love the group shot and the color toning looks good to me. I love the duplex filter in Nik. It's just a tiny bit tight. Very nicely presented and I look forward to more.

Nice work Hilary. Love the family portrait and the effect you used for the toning. Well done!

Thanks everyone for the comments. I have posted the original in the wildlife forum but found I had taken an almost similar shot with not such a tight crop. Because this grouping and the interations within, were, I thought the most pleasing I used some of the extra canvas and added it here. Just for those who wanted to see the unfiltered version (sounds like coffee! :o).

Hilary, I just checked out the one in wildlife and the comp. looks great!!:)

Thanks Denise, I just have to fine tune the warmth and then I'm done although I still prefer this finish. No accounting for personal taste! :)

Love this, Hilary, especially since elephants are my favorite animal! :) I love the grouping, interaction, details, and color toning. Well done!

Thank you Christopher.