Nosey Giraffe
Oct, 2019Views
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jackiegoodwin
November 16, 2019
those lips - thank you for entering your lovely photo into my challenge - good luck
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo about 18 months ago. It was at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, England. There is a high platform built within the boundaries of the enclosure. You can pay £1 for a small branch with leaves on (don't know what kind) and then hand feed them. This is how I was able to get so up close because you're at their head height and they have to stretch up to reach the food.Time
I love this photo and feel very lucky to have captured such a graceful and beautiful creature in such an unusual way. I clicked away, capturing may images of them, but this is by far my favourite. It was mid-morning and we'd arrived at the enclosure just in time for feeding them. There was a park keeper that came along with a wheelbarrow full of branches, covered in juicy leaves. The giraffes couldn't resist them when waved about to entice them closer. Long, purplish tongues reached out as they stretched their heads up as far as they could to enjoy the succulent treat.Lighting
It was a sunny day with fluffy white clouds floating in the sky. Not hot, just perfect. The feeding platform was covered, therefore it offered the right amount of shading to create clear, pin sharp photos.Equipment
I used my old Canon EOS 200D. And to be honest I cannot remember which lens I used. I've since upgraded my camera and lenses.Inspiration
The pure excitement of seeing giraffes like I'd never imagined. The photo could have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I doubt I'll ever go on safari to an African country, and that was my first time holidaying in Wiltshire. Although I'm sure I could go again, JUST to get more incredible photos of the giraffes! They are so beautiful. Long eyelashes, whiskery snout, big lips, dark mysterious eyes. And the fact this particular giraffe was right in front of me and became curious enough about my camera (maybe it saw its reflection in the lens) that it pushed its snout towards me the way it did, was a fleeting gesture I couldn't resist to capture.Editing
I did very little. A little colour enhancement, and sharpened it a little bit, but that was basically it.In my camera bag
I always, always, ALWAYS carry my Canon EOS 5DS R, and either a 'nifty-fifty', a 24-70mm lens and/or my new 70-200 F4. Depends what I'm going out with the intention of photographing, or just to take random pictures of something that catches my eye. Like all photographers I love taking photos. However, I don't have a "niche" because I believe we shouldn't limit our creativity. Beauty is all around us, so why not capture it!Feedback
If you're going on safari to Africa, I doubt you'd even get THIS close to a giraffe. Therefore I'd advice visiting a safari park near you, if you're able to. Find out if they have a feeding platform, because this is the ONLY way you'll get anything near what I captured. Unless you know a giraffe keeper and they'll let you inside the enclosure, but even then you won't be at their head level. Good luck!
