circus elephant: comp question

[Hazel Grant]

At the circus last night and all I had with me was my Canon Powershott SD9910, which was good because they announced "no photographs of any kind." Glad I hadn't dragged my big one out. Before this, though, there was a open time when they brought out the elephants. Aside from some noise problems, I am just wondering if the pose is too weird. All I cropped off was a bit of black from the top. Also brightened the neutrals a bit because of heavy shadows. Got the eye, and that's good, but in the search for a new way of catching things, is this too strange?

[Hilary Hann]

Hazel, in the scheme of things I don't think it too strange to show a circus animal in this manner. In fact, if you had been able to take the photo with your DSLR, it would have made a good advertisement for the 'anti wild animals in circuses' lobby. It is interesting to see the under sides of the feet but the eyes and the mouth tell a story which circus owners perhaps would rather we didn't see. A fleeting moment perhaps, but a telling one. A good example of photo-journalism, well done.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Hazel, I don't find the composition odd, more frightening, especially as you were using a PAS camera!!!

Like Hilary, I do find the base of the feet interesting and I like the ay thy are truncated (sorry), but it's the eye I get drawn too which I do find rather disturbing.

TFS
Steve

[Tom Graham]

Agree with Hilary.
The circus garb, strap on neck, eye, mouth, feet up, it has powerful emotions for me that separates it from most animal photos. Difficult to look at but also not to.

tom