A Family Outing (Revisited)

The original post had 4 elephants and I received several

suggestions to crop out the last elephant for better composition. So

here is the result. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks very

much for your time.

The original can be seen here  http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=17592181

Thanks,

Peter

PS. I know there is a better way to include photos but I can't seem to figure it out.

To me the most important aspect is the naturally, peacefulness and majesty of this animal. Although there seems to be a bit more "order" by the sizes of these magnificent beasts, the four does not really make a difference for me. The smooth background and the overall tonality presents a beautiful spectacle. By including the fourth, you could even argue for a more "complete" image in the sense that there is a rear guardian. What's merit-full for me is not the cropping, but the general photographic quality. 

DG

Nice to see the cropped version of this wonderful image. Both versions are beautiful, but for me this one reaches perfection! Worth a 7.

Best regards,

Alain

This picture is beautiful, Peter.  I like the panoramic format, colors and the blurred background  that looks like a painting. I like the cropping you have made.  You're very lucky to have been there. 

Regards,

Rosario.

yes, i prefer this too. very nice composition. compliments -koushik

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! It's always very much appreciated.

Sincerely

Peter

James, I greatly appreciate the feedback! I originally cropped space from the left but it didn't look quite right to my eye. It looked kind of ordinary to me. And for me at least, having the space there gives me more of a sense that these elephants are on a long journey. Thanks very much for your comments :)

Sincerely,

Peter

The eye flow when viewing a photo is from left to right, the same as reading. I wondered if "flipping the negative" would improve the composition, which is pretty good already. I tried it but I'm not sure. it does have a different feel though.

The lighting here was excellent and the overall scene with the misty background amongst the distant trees really makes the Elephants stand out.

I personally prefer this crop but do agree with Daniel that the "rear guard" of the fourth Elephant makes the other version just as nice.

I like the space ahead of the group as it does contribute to the "vastness" of the overall scene. Appreciative to see the "flopped" version but, still drawn mostly to this one.

Really a nice end result!

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

James Dainis, Thanks very much for the flipped idea! It definitely has a different feel that I do like. Now I am not sure which way I like most :)

Sincerely,

Peter

Jim Johnson, Thanks very much for the feedback! Especially on the space on the left creating a "vastness". Perfect word for it. It's that "vastness" that underlies my idea of the "long journey" they seem to be on.

Grateful,

Peter

Beautiful composition! I like both versions of this photograph for the same reasons others had mentioned - the 4th elephant being seen as the rear guard, and I also like the first elephant being seen as the leader. A very beautiful capture with lovely light and tones. Thank you for sharing. :)

I agree with the above that both are fine but I might lean towards the "order" here as well.

Just another day, off to the watering hole to chit the chat with the other pachyderms over a sip and a bit of grass...
.
Marvelous Image Indeed!

-r-

I love the image the way it is. It flows much

Better without flipping. It is truly a pleasure to look . Starting with some open space and glancing through the lovely family. You don't start your dinner with desert.

Andrew, Thanks very much for the input! I do like the empty space on the left and thanks for the compliment, greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Peter