One 'big old unit' + colour

[Steve Kaluski]

This big old unit just wanted to show who was boss as he crossed the channel. The flood waters were still low as it began to sweep down through the delta. Taken late afternoon.

Grant you should recognise the location, leaving camp heading to air strip.

Steve

Subject: African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Elephant crossing river threat stance
Location: Kwetsani, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Camera: Canon MKIII
Lens: 70-200f/2.8 - handheld from jeep
Exposure: 1/1000s at f5.6 ISO 400 0 compensation.
Crop: Full frame horizontal (original capture horizontal)
Level, Curves, B/W via NIK minimal USM

[Rachel Hollander]

Steve - I like the pose, comp,detail in the skin and the conversion looks good.

TFS,
Rachel

[Jamie Douglas]

Awesome Steve. The B&W conversion works very well and this is well framed. TFS

[Charles Glatzer]

Super image, although a bit contrasty as presented.

Best,

Chas

[Sid Garige]

Brilliant image Steve. Great pose and action well captured.

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi Steve, like the shot, and the pose that you caught the elephant in. Also like how the edge of the road/channel makes a nice diagonal. Like the weathered edges of this elephants ears...nicely done. Looking at the thumbnail, the composition didnt look quite right, but once I opened the shot, I can see how it works, with the trailing line of water behind the elephant adding interest.
cheers
Grant

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys, not quite up there with Peter D's elephants but it kind of works.

Interesting Chas as I did push it a bit IMHO, I thought that perhaps going a bit 'contrasty' it might add to a more threatening feel and a have bit of an edge to the image?

cheers
Steve

[Hilary Hann]

I find this a good strong composition and you've certainly shown the power of the elephant. I do think that the image doesn't show the same nice tones that your b&w usually have, but you've explained the reasoning behind that.

[peter delaney]

Hi Steve

You have the makings of a really great black and white image. Love the pose of the big bull..

Agree with Charles and Hilary that image is a bit too contrasty.. would love to see colour version as well.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Peter, the colour just looked flat due to the time of day, but will take a look when I'm back.

[Steve Canuel]

Really like the big guy's pose. Regarding the comments on contrast, I think the contrast on the elephant is too strong if compared to the level of contrast in the surroundings (grasses and BG trees).

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Steve, a nice specimen which you have captured in a great pose. The fanned ears really accentuate his size. I would also like to see a colour version in that setting.

[Russell Johnson]

Great stuff, I am sure you would see a lot animals crossing old roads this year.

[Ofer Levy]

I like this. Composition works very well. Would also like to see a colour version.

[Harshad Barve]

great pose here , agreed with Chas and Peter
TFS

[Morkel Erasmus]

Steve I actually like the contrast in this (who would have guessed )
I like the tonal range you achieved, but I would have opted for a comp with a tad more space on the RHS and less on LHS...IMHO the "water trail" mentioned by Grant doesn't have enough strength to warrant the placement of the ellie in the frame. Making sense? Just my opinion of course

[Vivaldo Damilano]

I also like this Steve but could see this with a little less contrast. Impressive B&W conversion, it works nicely in this image but keep thinking how good the colour version is Water also adds nicely TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

OK guys, just back, so as requested here is the colour version. Note, have not done anything to it as the B/W was the route I wanted to go, although I have move/adjusted the crop.

Thanks again.
Steve

[John Ippolito]

Steve, I like your crop in the conversion best. The contrast is pretty harsh, but it carries a great deal of impact as presented. Love the flared ears, and eye contact. It is a winner.
It is interesting that the ele in the color version looks less threatening in warm early/late light. Also like the triangles formed by the water and the dry grasses, that are more apparent in the color version.

[Dumay de Boulle]

I like both...But for me the color mage has more punch...Lovely stuff!!

[Hilary Hann]

I think I agree with John, the B&W is more threatening but the colour version is very nice and I do prefer the crop you've used in the colour. I can see why you processed the b&w with greater contrast. I think the water splashing has better detail in the colour. Really like both of them very much.

[Harshad Barve]

why in the world you converted it into B & W