Do not Disturb my Breaststroke!

[Ken Watkins]

Elephant reacts badly to our presence whilst crossing the Maunachira Channel, Okavango Delta, Botswana, 27th December 2010.

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 hand-held from moving boat.

F5, ISO 400, 1/3200, EV-0.67

[Steve Canuel]

Pretty cool shot Ken. Like some leviathan rising up from the depths. Don't know if its possible but maybe lighten up the shadows a bit (more so around the mouth than shadowed eye). I might also tone down and darken the yellow BG grasses. This seems to visually minimize the impact of the shadows for me. Despite my comments, I like it as posted .

[Austin Thomas]

I think it is trying to tell you something Ken...

It is a good shape and a very good angle. The shadow cast by the trunk is a little unfortunate as it covers one of the eyes.

Cheers

Austin

[Shreyas Mantri]

Excellent angle Ken! Besides the shadow issue in the apparent harsh light, I personally like the trunk against the bright background.
I often feel envious when you spell out the details of the locations you take the pictures at. Savuti is one of the places am aching to visit. You must feel privileged to be living in a place like that!

Bests
Shreyas

[Ken Watkins]

Thanks for the comments, unfortunately the light was not as co-operative as the Elephant, and no real chance of changing position

Steve,

I have tried lightening the shadows a little but it looks pretty bad. I'll take a look at toning down the BG.

Shreyas,

This is actally in the Okavango, we visited here and the Savuti Channel/Marsh on our recent visit to Botswana

[Rachel Hollander]

Ken - this is a fun shot despite the lighting conditions. Love the position of the trunk. I'm seeing a slight halo around the left ear (on the right of the image).

TFS,
Rachel

[Todd Frost]

Nice capture Ken. Lighting issues aside, this is a very cool image. Must have been something to see.
TFS
Todd

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Very cool image Ken. The raised truck and lowish angle make this image excellent TFS

[DanWalters]

Great low angle and I like the raised trunk. Very dynamic image!

[Ken Watkins]

Rachel, Todd, Vivaldo & Dan,

Thanks for your comments. It was great to see and we were amazed to see how fast it swam, the main channel here is over 100 metres wide and it took less than a minute! The video is better!

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Hi Ken,
Nice action. The angle of the shot makes it more engaging. Did you have any bright shiny object near the lens on your left? Would love to vist Okavango one day.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Ofer Levy]

DIfferent and effective. Maybe a bit more room at the bottom.

[Ken Watkins]

Sabyasachi

You raise an interesting question, there is a distinct possibility that a had a "shiny" aluminium pole (boat roof support), what makes you ask?

[James Shadle]

Ken,
Very compelling image.
IMO more room all around the frame, especially at the bottom would make this an even stronger image.

[Harshad Barve]

Terrific shooting angle here , excellent image
TFS