First steps in monochrome - C&C please

[davidedric]

Hi,

I've just started to experiment with B&W / monochrome, and have very much to learn. However, I've been playing with pictures of (African) elephants, and it seems to me that a sepia tinge is very pleasing, and really brings out the skin texture. It also takes me back to Victorian "great white hunter" type photographs, but without the dead animals, of course.

C&C very welcome.

[Donald]

Dave - You and Clive (botspur) both.

Clive's stuff on here (elephants and other animals) is well worth a look.

This is a very good one, too. The pose is wonderful. You've nailed it in terms of focus, depth of field and exposure. Not sure I would go so far with the toning, but that's just a matter of taste. A lovely bit of work.

If you haven't already done so and really want some inspiration re photographing elephants, then do have a look at Nick Brandt's website. There you will find stunning wildlife images.

[davidedric]

Thanks very much, Donald. Yes, I keep an eye on Clive's stuff (his recent Zebra B&W was a corker).

I have come across Nick Brandt's work. It is awesome. I think it's a bit like watching the Olympics, it's either inspirational or unattainable.

BTW did you spot it's a girl!

[Donald]

BTW did you spot it's a girl!

Eh ...............

I'm much better with cattle. I grew up on a beef farm and people not connected with farming look at me with amazement when I say to them that, upon just looking at the faces of cattle, you can tell whether they're male or female. Elephants I struggle with!

[davidedric]

Actually, from sideways on it's quite easy. Females have a flat forehead, allegedly from banging their heads on trees (Duh!) in exasperation at the males, like this one:



But in the case of the first one, she has had what I think Janet Jackson referred to as a wardrobe malfunction, if you look closely!

Maybe too much information. Here endeth the lesson on sexing elephants.

[Donald]

But in the case of the first one, she has had what I think Janet Jackson referred to as a wardrobe malfunction, if you look closely!

Aahh!