head-to-the-sky

When a photographer friend suggested going to the zoo as a way of

sparking creative juices, I realized I had not been to a zoo in over

20 years. As interesting an outing to the zoo is, when I got there I

realized why I had not made a big effort to go in a while. I have a

touch of claustrophobia and seeing animals confined can be a bit

uncomfortable. I found that I was most at ease at exhibits with large

animals such as elephants and giraffes. I guess by necessity these

creatures must be given large areas to roam. This particular male

giraffe seemed to enjoy its space. I had not realized before how

graceful these creatures are and, until I began to process this image,

how unique their evolved camouflage. Comments and critique welcome.

Seeing the Exif data did no transfer over: Nikon D90, 1/500s, f/4, ISO 200, focal length 55.0mm

Hi Wayne, I love the technique you use for this image, very artistic indeed. The use of f/4 allowed you to capture the nice details of the giraffe, it contrast very well with the background. Lovely presentation and the treatment you did made this an excellent image!!!!

Warm regards,

LuDa

Thanks, Luisa.  I have come to like this effect (minimizing details and softening edges) particularly on foliage, but when I saw how this giraffe blended so much into the background I thought it helpful to make it stand out.

Hi Wayne,

Nice view. Thank you for the EXIF data.

Three  points here:

1] You used ISO 200, best for the camera

2] You used the 55 mm lens at F/4 , best for yielding the clarity level from the zoom

3] You provided you own artistic flare to the image. It works well, especially since you started with a properly imaged subject to begin with.

Like I have said to others with artistic talents, it is better to work with a very good image , since the post processing can always transform it to any level that you want for your presentation.

Best Regards my friend, Mike

Thanks, Mike.  I very much appreciate your kind comment and helpful info.

Hi Wayne,

  Beautiful image with amazing processing, that only you could create.  I never saw a giraffe look so good.  Great job!!  Take care, Patsy

Thanks, Patsy. I didn't realize how much I appreciated these creatures and realized they are beautiful.  Really glad my friend suggested going to the zoo.

Nice capture of the tall one;against this good background,it really makes for an excellent image.....even to the point of making one forget that this is in a zoo.Good work!

Meilleures salutations-Laurent

Thanks, Laurent.  There were many images I had to reject because of just that - I could see the wire. the fences, their confinement.

Your post processing worked very well with this image Wayne. It would look lovely in a Children's Book or on a Gallery Wrap for a Children's Room!

Thanks, Gail.  I think I reverted to the childlike perspective while there.