Elephant savannah collage

Still stuck in the same groove (I'll get tired soon and move on! :p). I chose this image because I wanted the landscape to take precedence over the elephant and so the 2 main trees and all the little trees on the horizon appealed to me. The elephant hiding behind the main tree kept it within the theme of not being a wildlife image per se, but more about the environment. My daughter is disturbed by not seeing the elephant in front so I'm interested to see if it irritates other viewers or whether my original intention works. Many thanks for any comments.

Hilary, At first glance I thought the Elephant was awkward and that the 2 trees could stand alone easily. But after looking at it for a while I feel like the Elephant engages the viewer from behind the tree and adds a bit to the image. I like the color toning and your processing very much and have enjoyed the series. I look forward to more.

I love the tones and texture on this. I really like the composition with the trees and the clouds, but I do think it would be better without the elephant. It does bother me a bit that the elephant (especially the eye) is behind the tree.

Nice image and application, Hilary.

It is too bad that the elephant didn't pose for you, but I like it. Of course I love elephants in general, so ... I think the image without it would have been barren. Just my $0.02 worth, but ... ;)

All good points thank you.

Hilary, I believe I like this one the best so far. The colors and textures are captivating, leading your eye into the expanse of the savanna that is so African. If the elephant were more conspicious, then the image would focus on him/her. This reminds me of the African warning that elephants, no matter how large, can hide behind anything :).

I have found this entire series to be very impressive. It really shows the expanse of the environment. The treatment that you have given it is captivating (as mentioned above). I find myself just going over the image for quite a long time taking in all the different areas presented. Very nice work.

Hilary, what a wonderful groove to be in! Colors and textures are so rich and warm. The elephant's pose is a plus for me. Love it! This is my favorite ... so far. :)

Hi Hilary, to me this one is the best (may be i will say the same for the next one too :D). The entire series is wonderful. This one specially brings out the vastness of the savannah. With the tree and Elephant behind it does make this captivating and engaging composition. Excellent work.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate all the support I'm getting as it can be a lonely journey sitting in front of your computer far from Africa and trying to convey what and how you feel about the places you've visited. I had been leaning towards this one as my favourite so far also, and my only explanation is that I'm starting to understand the tools I'm using better. But the next could be a disaster … only you probably won't see it!! :D

Nancy, good point about the elephants ability to hide, quite incredible really.

Hillary, this is my favorite also. There's so much to love - the composition, lighting, the trees and especially the ones on the horizon. I've never been to Africa but I feel like I've been now:)

Thanks Cheryl for your kind comments, much appreciated.

Another wonderful image, Hilary! Personally I do wish the elephant was just a little further forward, but I'm okay with it as is. Beautiful composition...it really gives you the feel of the wide open savannah. And of course, I totally love the warm colors and textures! :)

Hillary, another beautiful image! I do wish we could see a hint of his eye peeking out from behind that tree but I do like it as presented; it conveys a feeling of "shyness" which you wouldn't normally associate with a multi-ton animal! The scenery and pp is outstanding.

Thanks Christopher and Julie. Perhaps I'll put an eye in, I'll see what it looks like. The eye is actually there but because he is in the shadows it isn't visible, just a dark smudge in my original. I'll give it a try!

I have added an eye but I'm not sure about it. I find myself looking and looking at it to see if it looks natural. The jury's out! :confused:

Hilary, I don't think the eye is needed. I like the original post best:)

Thanks Denise.

beautiful work of art!

love the oringinal.... the elephant being behind the tree seems to say.. "dont just look at me , look at my world"

Peter, that is beautiful!