Never Forgets

[Christopher Miller]

This is an elephant image from my zoo trip last year which I finally processed the other day. When I took the photo, I ended up cropping it too tight so the elephant's left eye was very close to the edge. Because of that I almost didn't keep it, but upping the contrast in Silver Efex darkened that whole side at which point I started to really like it. In addition to converting to B&W, I also added three textures.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Christopher, I really like this. Beautifully processed. I think the darkness adds to the ponderous feel and age of the elephant and their sad qualities (I think they usually look so sad).

[Paul Lagasi]

Ditto what Cheryl said, love the texture on the forehead. They do always look sad. Well done.

[Diane Miller]

I love this -- it's quite unexpected, and quite wonderful!!

What would you think about brushing in darker tones along the top part of the right edge, so it recedes instead of coming forward? Something about that lighter area doesn't read quite right for me, and it would help conceal the missing eye.

[Christopher Miller]

Thanks guys for the comments. Diane, that lighter area was from one of the textures, and now that you mention it I can see it probably would look better darkened.

[Kerry Perkins]

Very nice Christopher. The image conveys the essence of what elephant hide is all about. If those wrinkles could speak, I wonder what stories they would tell...

[Nancy Bell]

Excellent rendering of the elephant textures! The usual advice is to show the eye/eyes of an animal. But I really like this image that is not about this particular elephant, but about that really interesting texture. It really draws me in! I also like that in the darkness you do not really focus on the cut ends of the tusks. Captive/working elephants do look like long-suffering animals.

[Andre Pretorius]

Love it as is…. Reminds me of my earlier days with Velvia 50!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Outstanding processing, love the textures, brilliant work!

Kind regards