Sophie Pouillon, QPSA
November 2024 - Zebras - et aigrettes - Kenya
About the Image(s)
I propose a photo of zebras with egrets. I've given it a panoramic treatment. It was taken in Kenya. The egrets take advantage of the fact that the zebras' hooves lift the earth to peck between their legs.
I've also observed this behavior with buffalo.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
An interesting slice of African wildlife, showing us how the animals interact. I like the wide presentation to show us the zebras surrounded by egrets (but 'lynx' eyes has spotted the head of a gazelle at the far left which could be cropped or cloned out!). Shame one of the zebras is showing its backside, but animals never take directions. A good image to remind you of your safari. Posted: 11/12/2024 11:51:13
Thanks, if you notice there's a whole herd of impalas behind it. You don't notice them too much, but they're there when the lion isn't.... Posted: 11/18/2024 01:34:14
Thank you for explaining the relationship between the zebras and egrets. Storytelling is important aspect of photography especially in travel photography. They say that no two zebras are identical in regards to the black/white stripes on their body. I did see a some differences in the striping of the zebras but it took awhile. I wonder if the zebras can tell the difference? Anyways, Sophie, it looks like you had the lifetime of a trip to see the animals on the African savannah....looking forward to seeing more of your images from Africa. Posted: 11/18/2024 01:24:13
Sophie, nice choice in a pano treatment! The Zs are very dominant in the image and the white birds balance out the foreground well. You need more DOF and I would suggest doing some burning of the impalas and the hill area. Also, I'd used a gradient filter on the sky as I see some clouds and they should be brought out to have more contrast within the image. I'd also clone out the impala coming into the left side of the image. You did a great job in not having the left Zs ear extend over the background hill. Posted: 11/23/2024 18:47:45
Another great image from your trip to Kenya Sophie. While I didn't initially see "that" impala head on the left, now that I do see it, I agree with the others that you should consider taking some of that edge off the image. There is nothing else of importance there, so no harm would be done to your image. Selective focusing does force us to concentrate on your zebras, while also noting that other species of animals also live side by side with each other. Your maintaining the colours is also very good. Posted: 11/25/2024 03:39:21
Very nice shot Sophie. Many different animals to observe. Nice sharpness of the zebras and birds with them. Posted: 11/28/2024 02:11:48