One of my first decent images of Black Rhino.
They are very skittish and run before one can even think of releasing the shutter. We spotted a cow and calf, Carl warned us to get ready at 300m before the sighting.
At 100m from us they departed with a cloud of dust and tails curled up.
We spotted this bull on the horizon and Carl decided to proceed ahead, we sat waiting and hoped for the best.
As we were waiting, he was but a spot on the horizon behind us. The area has had a devastating burn some time ago, the lack of rain made this an eerie area with a multitude of black burned sticks
about 2m tall and about 20mm thick- quite a maze to shoot through.
The bull was coming closer and closer to investigate the intruder/us in his territory. I was not sure if he was just curious or would charge- short temper and unpredictable behaviour is legendary when it comes to this species.
I kept on shooting, had the body with 300 in my hand, the other body had the 500 on, was not going to put camera down to change to 70-200.
The bull stopped 5m from us, slightly behind and to the left of the vehicle. He was snorting and dust was clouding at his feet...what next?
He gave us a piercing look, then a snort, turned and ran off with those stiff legs of his, only to turn to look at us again...
He had a slight head turn (to see us better) when the image was captured, IMO no rotation needed.
Image almost FF, the next images in sequence were just portrait with vehicle parts in LHC
The injury to the side is common for Black Rhinos, according to Carl.
Image captured somewhere in dark Africa...
What a wonderful way to spend the first day of 2015, earlier in the morning we were with a young female leopard for hours, had a lioness with sub adults running across the road with a warthog in her mouth....Thanks again Carl, a NYD we will never forget!
Nikon D3S with 300f2.8
1/1600 @ f5,6
ISO 3600
+1/3 EV
Nice close up with good detail. I would like to see more space at the bottom and less on top if you stick with this crop. Have you thought of a portrait crop with a CW rotation? That could work if you have the pixels. Nice view of the lesions on the side of the body which is very typical of this species as well as the flies on the back. Nice one Andre!
Hi Andre - It sounds like an absolutely great New Year's Day! It's always nice to see a black rhino and capturing an image of one is even better. My experience is the same as yours with them being a bit more skittish and taking off quickly. I like the cocked head. You brought out nice detail and texture. The dof works well. Interesting about the lessions. I also wondered about more of a crop either portrait or square.
Great story & am glad you guys had a terrific NYD. You guys were lucky to be so close and get all the shots. Am sure it was an unforgettable experience. I like the framing, the DOF and the HA. Well done.
Hi Andre good to see you posting and hearing that you guys had really a great time around NYE / NYD !
Great story about this image !
I am ok with somehow unusual crop and i really like the cocked head !! Hey what are doing in my area !
I quite like the natural looking colors and the overall detail and tones , but think the image could stand a bit more punch for more jump out of the frame , not thinking that it is a must , at least i would try how it looks .
Hope you have the same success in the upcoming trip to KTP , BRO !!
You captured the size and character of this one nicely. Interesting to hear about the wound but I find it's darkness draws the eye when first viewed. I like the idea of a vertical/square crop of the front shoulders and face.
Hi Andre from crop POV it does look more balanced , but on the other hand it is now a "boring " straight classic crop . I prefer the OP because it is going of the path .
I just pushed the mid tones a little WDYT ?