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The End of an Aardvark

The awesome thing about art and photography is that it is subjective, and you get to just like what you like sometimes because it appeals to your senses. I think this may be just the case with this image, as it is probably not everyone's cup of tea.
I have been fascinated by aardvarks since a young boy and getting to spend quality time with these incredible animals was a dream come true. You stalk ever so quietly up to them, hoping they don't hear or smell you, so you can catch a glimpse of their secret life. On many occasions this doesn't work and the little guys bound off into the distance (at one serious pace I might add) and on other occasions (as was the case with this fellow), you get to truly experience their day to day goings on and way of life.
This image reminds me of what was an incredible moment and of the mystery and intrigue that surround these super cool animals. Just look at his stubby tail, pointy ears and huge hind claw...
Location: Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
Date taken: 14 June 2015
ISO 400 / 1/400 / f4.5 / -0.3 Sharpened for web, increased vibrancy
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Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator
Good evening Richard,
...I am so tempted to pull him by the tail, make a bundle of him, and then put him in my pocket...So glad you wrote a few words about this image and how you feel about it, helps me see this with your eyes and brings out that emotional content I always look for.
I opened the thumbnail and thought: " this little guy...all on his own, hiding from the world, turning his back on it...he just wants to be safe, and be left alone..." The light is warm and lovely and even seeing his backside brings the softer side in me:)
Thank you Richard, you made my evening
Warmest regards,
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Not the usual angle, that's for sure. You have made the most of the warm light and constructed an attractive frame. Well done, Ian.
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Lifetime Member
Hi Richard - This is one of those images that I think works well as a nice memory for you and probably for others well versed about aardvarks. I'm not sure the average person would have any idea what animal it was without being told. Again beautiful light and a nice low pov. I also like the aardvark's position in frame, I just wish for a bit more room below and that the claw was clear of foliage.
TFS,
Rachel
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Wildlife Moderator
Another cool image & sighting Richard, but for me it doesn't works, the subject is walking away (not ideal) and it's only the rear you see, not the most attractive end. The warm colours are nice, but the image does not carry an embedded colour profile (sRGB) and so each of us may see a difference in colour. Being off set does help, like Raymonds Tiger, but agree on the comment it needs more below and if you were on foot, providing it was safe to do so, lying down again would I feel, had offered an even better POV. Also, getting some more tonal range within the subject would help and create more form & depth. Did you add any blurring to the environment as I feel even using even a 500 and the great compression it can produce at f/4 this does look a little more, just an observation. What was the lens and camera as you did't mention it?
Hope to see more of these guys, as they are fun/unique, as the main SA posters here, (to my knowledge), haven't posted any before and it would be great to see more of these lesser known species.
TFS
Steve
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Thanks for the constructive comments everyone
I knew this was going to have a very mixed response (and largely not in favour :))
Gabriela, glad I made your evening. This made the post worthwhile, as I was truly wandering whether anyone else would enjoy it as much as I did. My wife didn't like it and said I like bottoms :)
Rachel, agreed.
Steve, maybe check out my previous post (few posts down) as you will see an aardvark in all his glory there. (And I totally hear what you say) or go to my fb page https://www.facebook.com/TheFlacksPhotography ... I have posted two images there if you page down a bit.
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Oh and Steve, no I didnt add any blurring, cheers
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Shucks and camera is canon 7d MkII and 400 f2.8
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BPN Member