Bookfool's Photoblog
Swingy
Posted by Bookfool (Mississippi, United States) on 8 November 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
You can see why I didn't want this one to show up on "My Special Place" day.
A friend commented that not everyone sees the art in the swinging of an elephant's tail. Probably true. I was trying to capture the tail against that green background but with the wrinkles as the focal point. What do you think? Does it work?
MontereyJohn from Salinas, California, United States
That is just wonderful!
Your location caught my attention. A few years ago I made a really fun trip from St Louis to Natchez. We did all the antebellum homes the US Grant was kind enough to leave standing, toured the battlefield, wandered around The Delta, heard some blues and all that. I love The South. i miss it.
8 Nov 2008 5:20am
@MontereyJohn: Thank you!
We're just a couple of miles from the National Military Park in Vicksburg, so you passed right through our immediate area. Natchez is particularly beautiful and the whole region is great for photography -- lots of wildlife and old rusted trucks, monuments and interesting architecture. :) You should come back again, some time!
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Are you kidding! It's fantastic, not just the swinging of the tail, but the magnificent texture that you've captured so well, bravo Book
8 Nov 2008 7:33am
@Lorraine: Well, thank you for that Lorraine. I was a little concerned that maybe the tail should have been in focus, instead. Couldn't make up my mind whether or not it would have been better that way. Thanks for easing my mind. :)
Marion from Liberty Township, United States
This is an amazing close-up! What a fun perspective! I love it!
8 Nov 2008 12:59pm
@Marion: Thank you! My entire family thought it was bizarre and mildly rude. LOL I appreciate the feedback. Thanks, Marion!
*Rich* from Stafford, United Kingdom
What a unique perspective! I'd probably only take a pic of the whole elephant, which is a habit I need to break.
Nice arty shot, and LOL at it not being your special place!! ;o)
8 Nov 2008 2:25pm
@*Rich*: In this particular case, I was practicing with a new 500mm lens, so I would have practically had to back all the way to the parking lot to get the whole elephant. That's one cool thing about a long lens; it forces you to look at things from a new perspective.
Thanks, Rich! Yeah, I was thinking "special place" = "butt shot". No no no. Bad idea. LOL
Les from Lincoln, United States
Great a** shot! :) Seriously, it's a fabulous photo. Fun & creative. Well-done, Nancy!
8 Nov 2008 10:16pm
@Les: LOL Thanks, Les! I've got some flamingo tail feathers, too. People are going to think I have a weird fixation, if I'm not careful. ;)
Kathryn from Warburton, Australia
excellent image! and humorous for some reason - elephants always make me laugh! I don't laugh at them in a 'meany' way, they just make me feel like laughing!
8 Nov 2008 10:46pm
@Kathryn: Thanks! And, I know what you mean. Elephants are kind of funny-looking and they really seem to have personality. This one actually spent most of her time playing with a tire. I had such a long lens on my camera that I couldn't get a full view of her (I was out specifically with the intent to get acquainted with that lens, which is a 500mm).
Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom
I like the swing in the tail, the tight crop, the good proper colour image, and of course, elephants are just the best. If you like elephants, I did some study a while back starting here http://wideangle.aminus3.com/image/2008-08-12.html
9 Nov 2008 12:07am
@Richard_Irwin: Thank you, Richard! I love all sorts of animals, including elephants -- they're such fun. I'll go look at your collection, thanks!
Fliss from Melbourne Beach, United States
Oh I think that this one is great... love it... can't beat a good wrinkly butt shot... hehehe
9 Nov 2008 4:06am
@Fliss: LOL! Too true! Thanks, Fliss!
Frédéric A. from New Caledonia
everyone recognize an elephant, just with this tail ... fine shot
9 Nov 2008 5:05am
@Frédéric A.: Yeah, elephants are easy. Even the kid who can't tell a mayfly from a mosquito can get an elephant right. LOL Thanks!
@Magda: That's what I was shooting for. :) Thanks, Magda!
Earnest from Oklahoma, United States
Ha, ha... got a good laugh from the comment... as for the photo, it's very interesting... Maybe more information that I wanted. Somehow reminds me that I should trim my mustache.
9 Nov 2008 1:29pm
@Earnest: TMI, hahaha. I love it. Yeah, that's a hairy tail, isn't it? :)
jamesy from christchurch, New Zealand
Great shot Nancy I think you got it just right. It would be a bit embarrassing if people thought your fav place was a wrinkly elephants bum LOL
9 Nov 2008 8:27pm
@jamesy: Debbie, the funny thing is that when I posted that originally, it was between the elephant's rear and the flamingo feathers. Both butt shots. LOL Thanks!
willow from Chelsea, United States
I think it's wonderful! The texture is incredible and the image made me chuckle. Thanks for that!
9 Nov 2008 11:02pm
@willow: Thanks, Willow! I was hoping this one would induce a smile or two. :)
Kris from St. Louis, United States
This is another of my favore pictures you have taken, I would ask if you made this into a bookmark, but how weird, to opne your book and always see an elephants behind. :)
14 Nov 2008 4:52pm
@Kris: LOL! Will and I were laughing about that elephant's behind comment. Thanks, Kris!
Sony DSLR-A700
1/800 second
F/8.0
ISO 200
750 mm (35mm equiv.)