[Rob Barron]

I used my 300mm f4 IS L to get close to this beautiful creature. At Marwell they have an excellent viewing platform that allows you to get up to head height so you can shoot looking across rather than up. Thought I'd stick this one in here as I have put a set of Snow Leopards in the share thread and haven't put anything in for a while so go ahead.... C&C away

Cheers,
Rob

[nichpr]

My first impression, Rob, is that this is a nice portrait technically well executed. I like the 3/4 position that showcases the dimensionality of the head - that protruding eye socket - pretty lumpy isn't it?
However, the composition feels a little tight or cramped and overall the shot seems a bit static. Not a lot here to grab interest or make me want to explore it further - I think head shots are inherently like that. They, by their very nature, exclude what facinates us about these animals - their height, how graceful they move and how they interact with the others in their group.

[Rob Barron]

Yup, can't dsiagree with any of that Paul. I had to crop in tight simply because there was a lot of distraction around the animal which I wanted rid of. I have plenty of other shots with whole giraffe or even multiple giraffes in them, so this portrait is, as you said, really just that, a head and neck (didn't get as far down as the shoulders <g>) and not a lot else. I am still happy with it though given I was a good 50m away from the animal at the time.

Cheers for the feedback
Rob

[Sonsey]

I like this one, good detail and colour. Yes it's a bit tight (allready mentioned) but from the condition's described you did very well getting what you did, good job!

[Charlotte]

I like this Would it be possible to darken the BG a bit? Being very light, it draws the eye away from the subject.

[Rob Barron]

Yup, I agree, the BG is a bit light when I look at it again. It was a bright sunny day but could do with muting the BG down to focus on the animal more. I think I left it because the animal is relatively dark so left it for contrast but the brightness is a bit strong. I won't be printing this one out as such, just one for the archive but good to know what others think, thanks.

Rob