the Kalahiran (Blackbucks) of India

These are very shy animals. If we tried moving in closer they moved

further away. Both the photographs are taken at full zoom (504mm in

35mm terms) and through the desert haze on an overcast monsoon day.

The region was reeling under drought conditions and the air was thick

with sand and dust.

They are protected species and their hunting is banned. Some important

people who ventured to do so and killed some have brought down upon

themselves the wrath of not only the law but also of the aggressive

Bishnois (an ancient tribe or community that inhabits these areas and

reveres all living things).

I found sharpening the image harshened the dense foliage and marred

the delicate aspect of these lovely creatures. I have sharpened the image

minimally, striving to retain the softness of the scene. There were

telecom wires running across the frame (albeit faint) and I have removed

them. Some touching-up of the upper reaches of the tree line at a couple

of places was necessitated. Below the higher fringes of the tree-line I

have not touched anything.

If you click on the right arrow you will see another photograph of the

kalahirans. This one includes a male with its distinctive antlers and dark,

almost black, coat. In this second photograph I also managed to catch a

couple of them in mid-leap -- a very graceful sight.

I Like the composition and the tonality...Thnx for your description and story about these shy animals!

Take care.

Regards(Bobby).

Rajat... Gorgeous animals and you've captured them well... Mike

A good naturalistic picture with a very good (since invisible) postproduction work. Compliments Rajat.

mauro

.