Amongst Giants

[Morkel Erasmus]

Based on suggestions received on my previous posting, I went back to the RAW of this image to try and reframe it in a way that is even better for the context I want it to be viewed in. These red-billed oxpeckers flock along with herds of buffalo (and many other African herbivores for that matter).

This shot shows how dwarfed a single bird can become between these giants of the bush.

The post-processing was done in a way that is supposed to reflect Velvia film (I never shot film so I wouldn't know, the tutorial explains it that way). I also cloned out a little leaf lying on the front buffalo's back.

With this composition - the bird is higher up in the frame. There is another buffalo horn in front to give context to the blurred buffalo horns at the back. Here is the previous thread for comparison:
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=40548

Your comments will be greatly appreciated!

Techs:
Canon 1000D with 100-400 L IS USM @ 400mm
f7.1 @ 1/640 SS @ ISO 400
EXP -0.3

[Amy Marques]

I like your "habitat" shot. I must agree, this was a great idea and it works well. I like the golden hue throughout and the bit of red on the bird's beak drew my attention straight to it. Great job.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like this one, too, and as in the previous one wish for a better head angle. Why is the bird's beak partially white?

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Axel & Amy!

Axel - I will try to get the same shot with the better HA when I go to Kruger again in 2 weeks, just for you ;)
The white on the beak is probably the midday sun - it was about noon time. Overall I think I did a good job of keeping the harsh light away, except for the beak. I'll try and burn it slightly to do away with the glare. The African sun can be unfriendly, even to photographers ;)

[Ramon M. Casares]

I love this image, but the OOF horn in the FG is way distracting IMO, here's an optional crop that I think helps.
Congratulations, if you get a better HA it will be great.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Ramon - that is actually the crop of my original post (check the link provided in the first post).
from that comp most people suggested I place the bird higher in the frame, and also that many people might not understand that it's a buffalo in the BG. The vertical comp was the next best option for me?

[Paul Kusmin]

Morkel, I like the original crop as Ramon posted a lot more for some reason, something about the horn in the foreground isn't working for me.
Otherwise, cool shot and a neat species.

[Jay Gould]

Morkel, while a crop from the bottom would put the bird just above the 1/3 line (the back of the buffalo), I think that works better in this instance - we are not slaves to the 1/3 rule - as it minimizes the horn and yet displays the horn at the same time. What do you think?

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Morkel,
Not your typical shot but I do like the concept and DOF chosen. This is their habitat.....so it works nicely. Do agree with Axel on the HA though.....so good luck in a few weeks.

[Ramon M. Casares]

thanks Ramon - that is actually the crop of my original post (check the link provided in the first post).
from that comp most people suggested I place the bird higher in the frame, and also that many people might not understand that it's a buffalo in the BG. The vertical comp was the next best option for me?

I missed that link, sorry then :):o

[Brian Barcelos]

Morkel, I don't mind your comp here and actually like the horn in the foreground. I do wish for a better head angle also.
Funny story about oxpeckers: My parents(Portuguese) always used the term "pica boi" for Monday. I never thought twice about the term until a few weeks ago so I googled the word. Turns out it's the Portuguese word for oxpecker. I guess it's because these guys only take short breaks(the weekend) in between "working". Just thought it was funny and sorry for wasting your time.:o

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for your constructive comments Paul, Jay, Roman, Ramon & Brian!

@ Jay - thanks for the recrop - that will also work. I now have 3 possibilities for this shot :)
@ Ramon - no problem, good to know I see things similar to you as you have a great eye :)
@ Brian - thanks for the info, you aren't wasting my time! :)

[Kiran Poonacha]

loved it Morkel, the peeping pose makes this..

[Dave Barnes]

Hi morkel, I now see the reason for your previous crop.
I prefer the previous one.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Dave :) & Kiran...

[Stu Bowie]

Hey Mork, I actually prefer your previous post too. Reasons being: The horn in the FG is distracting. I feel in this, you have oversaturated the colours, and the highlight on the horn in the BG is distracting too. Your previous comp also works so much better. Cheers.

[Morkel Erasmus]

appreciate your comment and suggestions Stu.

[Stephen Earle]

Morkel, I also prefer the previous comp. The buff in the bg looks almost like a cave drawing to me.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Stephen. appreciate your viewing and commenting. I'm kind of torn between the 2...thankfully I'm allowed to keep both :)

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Hey Morkel
I actually prefer the original post as I find the FG OOF horn a big drawcard for my eyes. I am baffled as to you saying how some people don't see it is a buffalo in the BG? :D Anyway, you handled the light well. I think in SA and Aus we have the same unforgiving sun. Congrats mate. :)

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Akos. I wasn't referring to people on this site. I was referring to the kind of people who, upon finding out you're from South Africa, ask if it's safe to walk around at night with the lions, and if we have electricity there. ;)