I have just returned from a week in our Kruger National Park. On one of the mornings, we parked alongside this dam and just watched nature. This Grey Heron was perched on the back of a Hippo, and I liked the interaction from a young Hippo close by. On other occasions, this Heron would 'surf' on the backs of Hippo's. As the Hippo's moved in the water, the Heron would just stay on the back and enjoy the ride.
Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300F/2.8
1/2000
F/7.1
ISO 640
Hi Stuart you really have captured the moment, if I was been a bit picky I might take a bit off the top to loose a bit of the vegetation ,just my personal view of course, I would love to go there and try for an image like this, great piece of work.
This image is "classic Africa". Really puts me back to your amazing country.
Really like the light and the bird surfing the hippo.
The bird droppings on the hippo's back add a bit of humor to the shot as well.
Great light.
There is a vertical reflection that runs through the image and I would be tempted to clone that out ( lower mid -left).
I like this composition which shows the river bank and the size of the hippo herd. Another option (not necessarily better) would be to crop from the top and RHS to eliminate the riverbank and the one cut-off hippo on the right. This would focus the eye more on the heron.
A thoroughly enjoyable image,
Gail
What a terrific frame. So much interest and humor as well. You may consider toning down the whites in the heron just a tad. While your version encapsulates the entire scene, I rather like this version as well.
Hi Stu - What a great African scene! Very nice light and I like the way it illuminates the action. I like the comp as is but Gail's suggested crop would work as an alternate comp. Looking forward to seeing more from you trip to Kruger.
Thanks a stack for all your feedback and suggestions everyone.
Gail: I think the reflection in the water is from the heron. I did see it and left it in, but removing it wouldnt harm the image.
Marina: Your comp shows a different perspective, and works. I do have other images with Giraffe's on the far bank, thus
the reason for leaving as I saw it.
Rachel: Saw lots of everything, good light, but unfortunately no cats ........ again.
This one's a lot of fun. Very nice light, and great interaction. Yet another possibility would be to crop out just the vegetation on the far bank, leaving the edge of the bank for context. Nice image any way you cut it.
This sure screams Africa Stuart. I got to get out there some day soon. I like the whole scene and the Heron looks great looking at the hippo with the open mouth. I do like the Pano that Marina posted but cool either way. Nice work
Wow, that heron just glows in this light!! Fantastic scene, well photographed. I'm always impressed with images of birds and other animals when done this well. Compositionally, there is a strong triangular element in either version posted that works very well.
An African Scene
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