No matter how I tried to place the jeep to get a more 'parallel' POV with this guy, he just kept angling away, probably feeling rather dejected and contemplating his battle tactics???
With his 'battle scar' horn trailing, this male Impala knew his sparring days for females was over. However, the Red-billed Ox pecker was there close at hand to clean out the wound. The fanned out leaves is just vegetation.
Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous thread.
Steve
Subject: Male Impala (Aepyceros melampus) LH horn trailing from sparring with another male, RB OP on head
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon 1DX MKI
Lens: 500 f/4 with 1.4 Ext MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/5.6 ISO400 EV +0.67
Original format: Portrait, very slight crop
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2015.5
Hi Steve -- Inspite of not getting a " more towards camera look " you have still managed a lovely image , with great IQ and details . I simply like the content with one of its horn dangling and the bird sitting on its head making an interesting element . A very nice image .
Unusually, the slight look away works on this occasion.
The impala has clearly had a tough day in the field, and the lack of eye contact shows how he must have been feeling. The oxpecker just adds to the scene - I like this one.
Hi Steve...the image still works very well even though you did not get the exact positioning you hoped for...the broken horn does not merge with the neck and the addition of the Oxpecker all work nicely!
The first thought that came to my mind as I opened the thumbnail was " what would this frame look like, without the oxpecker?" Set aside the little splash of colour I think this avian character adds so much to this image. This little chap looks as triumphant as if he were the one defeating the Impala:)
A very strong frame in terms of composition and the BG is superb. Perfect exposure, detail as good as it gets, lovely natural colours. Those palm leaves add to the image.
I enjoyed this, very much. Title very well chosen - as you know, this is about as important to me as the image itself
Hi Gabriela, your replies are very much appreciated, but even more so in this present time, thank you so much for taking time to comment.
You are so missed by everyone, but just please take your time and therefore post images and comments when YOU feel you can and want to.
take care, and all the best.
Thank you Steve for those kind words.
I just noticed I reached 4005 posts today
BPN is my home, I do feel like sharing but I must get out there and find new subjects to photograph. I might ask my friend Mr. Walker for some help with that, very soon.
Mr. W and his fun loving companion - a ridgeback by the name of Shangaan - already invited me. As soon as I have some time on my hands I will gladly take up on this kind offer:)
Drop me a line anytime, always good to hear from you