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Hydration (DSC_0222)

At the David Sheldrick Preserve (near Nairobi, Kenya), orphaned baby elephants deliver a chaotic, overflowing cavalcade of oh-wow photo ops. ...
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At the David Sheldrick Preserve (near Nairobi, Kenya), orphaned baby elephants deliver a chaotic, overflowing cavalcade of oh-wow photo ops.
Read less

NIKON D5200

settings

Aperture 16/5 ISO 800 Shutter 1/800 Focal Length 122/1

upload_date

Sep, 2018

Views

1068

Likes

+248

Awards

Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 22

Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 17

Peer Award

+91

Top Choice

+21

Absolute Masterpiece

+19

Superb Composition

+15

Magnificent Capture

+12

Outstanding Creativity

Virtuoso

Superior Skill

All Star

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

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Thanks very much. The subject got me most of the way there.

PRO+

Awesome image.

PRO+

Great

Gracias!

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Behind The Lens

Location

At the David Sheldrick Elephant Preserve, near Nairobi, Kenya. The preserve is home to scores of orphaned baby and juvenile elephants and welcomes visitors. Lots of firsts on my trip to Kenya--and challenges, especially as an amateur photograph--including first safari and first visit to a baby elephant preserve.

Time

At the preserve, caretakers lead the elephants in a frolicking parade and free-for-all, where visitors see them guzzling formula from giant milk bottles, rolling and rumbling in the mud, and slurping water from buckets and hoses. It was a bright sunny afternoon in late February and I had to stay alert, ready to grab just the right moments amidst a non-stop, totally improvised elephant entertainment.

Lighting

The enclosure where the elephants gathered had areas of light and shadow, becoming more pronounced as the afternoon went on. To increase my chances of a shot with pop, I positioned myself with the light coming over my shoulder and focused on areas with more uniform light.

Equipment

To stay flexible and at the ready, I shot with my hand-held Nikon D5200 and 70-200 Tamron lens.

Inspiration

Elephants—especially babies at play—are super photogenic. As I snapped away, I began to look for a shot that would crystallize my incredible baby-elephant experience. To me, this photo does that. It frames the elephant in an interesting, appealing pose—its trunk curled, spraying water into its mouth. It keys in on just one elephant, revealing lots of detail: textures--wrinkles, ridges, folds, mud-splattered head and ear; colors, a wonderful spectrum of earth tones; and even the rivulets and droplets of water falling from its mouth and trunk. Most importantly, the photo captures the baby-elephant essence—playful pose, budding tusk, tiny chin hairs, mud-encrusted, seeming to take pleasure in mastering the use of its trunk for a refreshing drink.

Editing

I used iphoto to bring the elephant's head into stronger relief (contrast with the background) and gently enhance the elephant-essence qualities, sharpening details and textures, lightly saturating colors.

In my camera bag

I tend to travel light--and, frankly, am still building my arsenal--but always carry my Nikon D5200 with wide-angle and telephoto lenses--and for important outings, my Tamron zoom.

Feedback

At a preserve like an elephant orphanage, you should have some time to get comfortable with your surroundings and watch the animals before you start shooting. If you expect a crowd, stake out a good vantage point, with a clear line of sight and favorable lighting. Initially, just watch the animals, noting their shapes, features, movements, interesting behaviors and interactions--even their personalities. Anticipate images that you would like to capture. Be ready to seize the moment--make sure your camera settings are where you want them (fast shutter/action mode), and, especially if using a large hand-held lens, rest your hand periodically to avoid cramping and stay steady. Take lots of shots.

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Hydration (DSC_0222)

At the David Sheldrick Preserve (near Nairobi, Kenya), orphaned baby elephants deliver a chaotic, overflowing cavalcade of oh-wow photo ops. ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow ddifiore

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At the David Sheldrick Preserve (near Nairobi, Kenya), orphaned baby elephants deliver a chaotic, overflowing cavalcade of oh-wow photo ops. ...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.