Hippopotamus
The warning of a large male hippopotamus with its jaws wide open.
The warning of a large male hippopotamus with its jaws wide open.
Read less
Read less
Jan, 2018Views
5938
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award
Community Choice Award
Contest Finalist in Colossal Wildlife Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 39 Photo Contest
Pro Photographer of the Month
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Genius
All Star
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
More than anything, I love nature photography, I love walking in the woods, in the mountains, wherever it may get lost in nature. I have utmost respect for animals and prefer to go to places where you can find free; However, near Turin, there are a couple of bio-parks where the animals are cared and protected with professionalism and culture. Just one of these, I met Ze Maria male adult hippopotamus. Reluctant to be photographed but, in perfect harmony and only after an hour of waiting decided to talk to me, showing me the mouth, playing in the water and disappeared below.Time
As with any type of photography, there are different and better hours and lights. The warm, often control the enthusiasm of an animal. So, even studying habits and characteristics, I went at sunset and, at about 9 pm, I took this picture.Lighting
Needless to say, the importance of light and lighting in a photograph. I think that the merit of the beauty of this shot, lies precisely in the use of evening light that I prefer and I love because often fails to balance light and shadow.Equipment
I always carry large and different equipment. I use Nikon and predominantly a D810 combined with a lenses fixed 105 or zoom 24-120, 70-300, 200-500. Except for macro or special shots, do not use a tripod. The second camera body that I always carry with me is the glorious and robust D90 coupled with the classic 18-105 or 24-120. Considering the format of the shot I used the D90.Inspiration
Simply, my unconditional love for Nature. I always say - "A day without photo is a day without emotion" - Here, photographing "Ze Maria" made me happy.Editing
Arriving professional from the world of advanced post-production and professional creativity. I carry around a huge knowledge of tools such as Photoshop in the first place. However not a simple shot, but a meticulous post-processing work between creative virtuosity and fundamental techniques. I put all my experience as a professional at disposal of these Animals In Black portraits, first to emphasize (as much as possible without upsetting the reality) the subject and his own personal beauty and, secondly, as a hallmark of my artistic and professional signature. Anyone observing these Animals In Black images must be overwhelmed by chills and sensations that, through a careful look, must convey the message through the soul to the heart in order to understand, love and respect every single living being.In my camera bag
As I have written above, I use Nikon material and in addition to that already mentioned, use Manfrotto tripod, SB900 flash, Kenko extension tubes for macro, remote shutter, Aputure AHL-HN100 LED flash, illuminators ... water, food and blankets :)Feedback
“I knew that sooner or later I would have watched, it was only a matter of time. Finally, his eyes pierce my lense and I was distracted in anticipation and forced to act. I pressed with trepidation and I noticed immediately that the expectation was infinitesimal, absent, nothing. I don’t realized the peremptory intercede the dials of my watch, and they both lived the hope and we were instant. I realized the love, I realized their purity, I realized our inadequacy, I understood the meaning of photography.” Technical discussions aside, to make shots like that you only need a lot of love, patience, respect for animals and the world around us.
