More than play

[Nancy Bell]

The intensity of this squabble seemed to be much more than play. I photographed this from a special photo river boat with attached rotating seats and attached tripod heads, along the Chobe River, Botswana, last month.

Canon 1DX camera, Canon 500 f4 L IS (rented), 1/3200, f5.6, exp. comp. +2/3, ISO 1600.

Comments and critiques most appreciated.

[vishaljadhav]

Interesting interaction captured Nancy
i love the details that are captured works very nicely, the dust due to the squabble adds a lot of life to the image
the diagonal line behind the 2 some times distracts the eye a bit, may be lightened if it suits you

[Don Railton]

Hi Nancy

I looks pretty sharp to me and I like the dynamics and flying dust and teeth, I'm guessing you like the 1DX...! I agree the BG diagonal line of weed? could be lightened to advantage..

regards

DON

[Andrew Robinson]

Hi Nancy, Don and Vishaljad have summed it up for me, dramatic image, lovely composition and exposure. Very nice indeed.


Andrew

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi nancy looks good to me all around .Nice interaction with a bonus of that open crying jaw. I would just change two things , get rid of the white rock in LLC and slightly lighten the 3/4 tone in the subjects.

TFS Andreas

[Marc Mol]

Doesn't look like there's any love lost between these two, love the grimace and it's the curled tail on it's combatant, well depicted Nancy.

[Morkel Erasmus]

The baboons along the Chobe provide endless entertainment. Great poses, expression and action here Nancy!
I'd look at opening up the deepest shadows just a hint?

[Nancy Bell]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments. Will work on the suggestions. I believe that bkgd dark line is elephant dung broken up by the baboons.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Yup, that there be ele doodoo! Lots of that along the Chobe banks

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Nancy,

Love this capture, makes me think there's some unfinished business between these two chaps I gather you had an amazing trip with exciting sightings and opportunities, love these images you brought from your holiday, this one in particular because I just love action shots! I can only imagine these two baboons tumbling down that slope, and I would like to know what happened next The colours are great and some lovely warm tones in the fur of the subjects, love the dust, the intensity, and I am happy to see you posting such wonderful images in Wildlife, hoping for more

Kind regards,

[Nancy Bell]

Here is a version incorporating all the above suggestions. I think it is improved.

Gabriela, these bad boys madly chased up the slope and ran through a quiet grooming session of 2 adults and a baby, leaving them scattered and what I thought was a disgusted look on the face of one of the adults! Loved my time in Botswana and already trying to figure out a way to get back to somewhere in Africa next year.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Oh Nancy, love the info/story, would have loved to be there at least to observe, these chaps are so entertaining to watch and indeed we have plenty in our local reserves, feel free to contact us should you need any info on places to go/things to do when you decide to come to South Africa. We are more than happy to give you some contacts and help you do bookings

Kind regards,

[edwardselfe]

RP much improved. Not my favourite creatures but their constant interaction and bickering does make for good photos!
Ed