icarrera

Elephants at the Chobe River

Played with high key image of these elephants drinking water on the Chobe river banks.

Played with high key image of these elephants drinking water on the Chobe river banks.
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Botswana

Jun, 2020

Views

Awards

Treasure Award

Summer 2020

Superb Composition

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

This image was taken on the Chobe river on the Namibia side. The Chobe river has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in all Africa. The elephants love to spend time in the water and seeing them crossing the river is another treat in itself.

Time

This particular image was taken July 31, 2019 around noon time. We had been cruising the river in a special boat with 360 swivel chairs and gimbal heads for the longer lenses and we came across this group feeding on the tall grass. Being in a boat we were able to slowly approach them from th front.

Lighting

Considering the midday harsh sunlight I decided to over expose by 3 stops to practically blowout the sky and most of the water while retaining detail on their skin and the splashing. During this trip I had several images in mind where I wanted to "play" with the high key concept and significantly over expose them. This was one of them.

Equipment

I carried 2 bodies on this trip. My Canon 1DX Mark II (used here) and a Canon 7D Mark II. Best combination of full frame and cropped with excellent focusing and high speed frames. This was shot with a Canon 100-400L IS II @ 320mm f11. I also had a Canon 24-105L and a Sigma 150-600 Sports (mostly on the 7D for very long shots..

Inspiration

I came to Botswana and Namibia knowing I wanted to do a series of high keys images, and this was going to me one. There were other of hippos, leopards, lions, etc. Love the high contrast you achieve when in B&W.

Editing

Mostly converted to B&W and increased its contrast. The rest was done by overexposing it.

In my camera bag

It depends. When shooting locally, the !Dx MArk II with the 24-105L. Excellent combination. When traveling to do wild life, then I do carry the 1Dx Mark II and the 7d Mark II with the 100-400L, the 24-105L and if space (and airlines permit) a 500L (old version).

Feedback

Try the high key options and don't be afraid of converting them into B&W. Experiment all you can. Digital permits us the luxury of "trying" and in the process to learn; do not miss that opportunity. And probably 1000s already said, keep shooting and shooting a lot. Have fun.

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icarrera

icarrera

Elephants at the Chobe River

Played with high key image of these elephants drinking water on the Chobe river banks.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow icarrera

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