The boys

[Hilary Hann]

Four young male giraffe and they were playing up just like young boys do. We had necking, pushing and shoving and mock mounting displays. Not sure about the vignette, I wanted to concentrate the eye inwards but know that vignettes are personal taste.

7D; 100-400 @ 400; ISO1600; 1/1600; f10 Manual exp, handheld. 7.30am.

[Harshad Barve]

Nice four HA's here ,Do not want to make harsh comment , not sure about B & W but doesn't work for me
TFS

[Ken Watkins]

Nice four HA's here ,Do not want to make harsh comment , not sure about B & W but doesn't work for me
TFS

I have to agree, also vignette is not overly helpful.

[Marc Mol]

The comp and framing are first class here Hilary, just feel in agreement with Ken & Harshad that B&W for this image doesn't suit for mine as their doesn't appear enough tonal range.
TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Not really working for me either here Hilary. Agree with Marc on the tonal difference, but am aware of what you are trying to achieve. It does have that 'oldie world' feel about it, which is down to the tone & vignetting I think?

Perhaps just try a B/W with your vignetting?

TFS
Steve

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks for the comments guys. Harshad, not at all worried by comments and didn't really expect positive views. Given what I'm watching out of Japan, it really doesn't seem that important.

[Harshad Barve]

Given what I'm watching out of Japan, it really doesn't seem that important.

Some horrible images coming from Japan :(

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi Hilary what did the OP look like in colour. I think getting the 4 giraffe in this pose is something, and I like the pattern formed by 16 legs. Comp looks good. I would try without the vignette, and would like to see the colour version this time
cheers
Grant

[Steve Canuel]

Like the comp of the four giraffes and how their heads kind of "fan" out across the pic. Don't mind the lack of color, it has a nice warm tone to my eye. I find the vignette a little strong in color and width but think it would work okay reduced in effect.

[Morkel Erasmus]

nice symmetry in these giraffes Hilary
I agree on toning down the vignette, though I don't mind the sepia tone, maybe also take down contrast a notch?

agree - the people of Japan are in dire straits!

[Robert Amoruso]

I agree with Steve C. here, I like this. The B&W treatment helps to separate them from a rather distracting background because as shades of gray, the giraffes become a very graphic element in the image.

I can take or leave vignettes, but ok here I would just reduce it's strength some.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Grant, Steve, Morkel and Robert.