Masai Mara 2005. This matriarch had produced twins (documented by researchers studying in the Mara at the time) and I had seen photos of them when they were small, published in SWARA, the East African Wildlife Society's magazine. I never expected to see them in the flesh and on our last morning drive, on the way to the airstrip, we came across this family group containing the elephant cow and the two calves. They have grown at different rates which I imagine is due to the bigger one getting more than its' fair share of milk. I have photos of both suckling but chose this one because I liked the family grouping and activity contained within it. I'll post one of the twins suckling later.
Thanks to you both. I tend to agree re the warming but I've had a tendency to over warm my images so thought I'd back off on this and see what others said.
Hi Hilary Another vote for warming just a bit but it is just personal taste. Do like the image as presented, warmth will change the mood and is all how you saw it !!!
.... do you have a pic of the ele before delivery !! :)
Thanks, will try some warming. Sadly no photos pre delivery although she must have been pretty large. I don't know how often elephant twins have been documented but I imagine it wouldn't be often, at least for survival. I've seen photos of them when tiny, interesting.
I've warmed it a small amount, although I need to keep in mind that the Mara in June is very 'cool', not the red, warm colours of the dry season or of other areas of Kenya. I quite like it so hope it is enough. ;)
In your repost the calf - second from the right - stands out due to the difference in colour. I prefer the original. A bit more space at the top would have been even better. Overall a nice image. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I noticed the distinct blue of the calf but I put it down to the fact that he is very much in the shadow. I used a filter in my OOTB posting which I actually prefer, and it is what I will do with this (for my personal use) but of course won't post it in the Wildlife forum as I know that it would be frowned on! :eek:
No more space at the top and as I already had to add some canvas left and right, I think I'll have to live with the space as it now is. Thanks very much for the comments, greatly appreciated.
interesting story, and well composed Hilary - the repost is spot on in terms of warmth...maybe just desaturate the blue channel a bit to get rid of the unwanted colour :)