<< Previous Next >>

Leading the way...


Leading the way...
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103] (11585)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-12-01
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, Kenko Pro 300 1.4x DG TConv.
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-01-26 3:39
Viewed: 1759
Points: 46
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum

Any wildlife photographer should have knowledge of the behaviour of dangerous game species. It is far better to avoid a dangerous situation than to have to face the consequences of a confrontation.

All species of game, right down to the smallest antelope, can be dangerous, but this is the exception to the norm.

The most dangerous game is: Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhinos, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile and the Spotted Hyaena.

Remember that…
- Most animals have an instinctive fear of man and, when approached, will probably move away.
- Many of these animals have become accustomed to people. This does not make them any less dangerous. Since they are used to you, it is now more important to be aware of how to act around these animals.
- Never get too close, as all these animals can run faster than humans. Watch the animal for signs of alarm and keep a comfortable distance.
- Always check on the wind direction before you approach any of these animals and always try and approach them downwind.
- Be quiet. Your aim is to view the animal in its natural state, doing what it normally does.
- Do not force it to act unnaturally for photographic opportunities.
- Do not try and block the escape route of an animal that is skittish, it will irritate the animal and make it unpredictable.
- Remember that once an animal is faced with your presence, it will be left with the choice of deciding to try and get away from you or to attack you.
- Always try and leave the animal as many alternatives of escape as possible. Escape will be the most likely course of action taken by the animal.
- Never rely on previous experiences. Animals are unpredictable.

Rhino
Black rhinos are renowned for being the more aggressive of the two species. It is advisable to be very wary of them at all times. White rhino are often considered to be far more relaxed and passive than the black rhino. There are very few warning signs given by these animals indicating an imminent charge. Look for the following warning signs:
- Cows with calves may be dangerous. Cows are usually very nervous, especially if the calves are very young.
- Watch for the ears held forwards with the head raised high.
- The rhino will bounce around if agitated, lowering and raising its head if unsure of the situation.
- Rhinos make snorting and puffing sounds when upset.
- Watch for pawing of the ground with the head lowered facing in your direction.
- Be very careful not to get too close to bull rhinos that are having an altercation.
- The tail will curl up as the first sign of threat.

I just like the photo for the plain lines and color. Still very busy at work and hope to visit here more often soon. Did Paul ever tell you about the Rhino’s ? :)

Ps. will update the exif info later.
soccer, tinman, TAZ, wallhalla15, thistle, Luc, red45, PDP, Demetrio, marhowie, scottevers7, Athila, odin, dew77, jossim, chouette, ellis49, sAner, hummingbird24 has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To ellis49: Thanx for the kind words...gerhardt 1 01-27 16:26
To thistle: Oohh he did...gerhardt 2 01-26 06:09
To tinman: Ooops...gerhardt 1 01-26 03:59
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

...very nice:)

Awesome horn on the adult Rhino. Good Comp and POV here. I also like the contrasting colours of the sky and the grass. Makes for an appealing pic! TFS,
Sheriff

Hi Gerhard,
Fantastic shot!
Excellent composition and perfect exposed,
great colour and nice framing.
Thanks for sharing!

Massive horn on the one - where exactly was this taken?

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2006-01-26 3:54]

I like to see this kind of great picture, because it is beautiful and its changes of scenery for me from my Alps snowcovered... Superb composition and instructive note.
Congratulations Gerhard and TFS.

Hi Gerhard,
this is a beautiful natural shot - very clear and colorful. Fantastic composition and great details. Superb colors and excellent note too. Well done and thains for posting.

Lovely shot Gerhard!
I must say I heard the Rhino's story. Won't comment it ;) but I think I know why you wrote this very interesting note ;)

Picture is great, very clear and technically perfect.
VERY WELL DONE!

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2006-01-26 4:56]

Hi Gerhard!

VERY interesting note. I think people in Europe forgot how dangerous wild animals could be. I think in Poland only wolves, bears, bisons, deers and vipers could be really dangerous for humans. No Rhinos at all ;-) Picture is, as all your pictures, with African soul! Sky, dry grass and these majestic animals! It makes perfect African postcard, 16:9 format works very well here.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2006-01-26 5:14]

Hello Gerhard, I have a picture very similar to this. It was a great day wasn't it. I like the format here and the composition is very nice too. Lovely job!

I enjoyed reading your note, very good and how true! Very nice image of these Rhinos. Looks like they not long got out of a pool of mud water...

Great work!

Demetrio

Well composed in the this landscape framing Gerhard. Razor sharp..horn ;-)
Nope, can't recall Paul mentioning it..
I hinted at it once or twice though :-}
Very well done my friend.

Hi Gerhard,
I love this shot. The panorama style composition and framing look great!
Beautiful colors. The whispy white clouds add just alittle more to the sky. Superb detail, DOF, and clarity in this shot. Extremely well done!
Scott

  • Great 
  • Athila Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 305 W: 232 N: 432] (1564)
  • [2006-01-26 10:44]

Hi Gerhard!

Interesting presentation! I love the panoramic format here. Nice composition with the application of the rule of third. The far away POV creates a flat perpective, but it's not a negatif point, just a comment for other member to understant the effect of using long lenses. Here we can feel the late afternoon light by its warm color and the almost horizotal shadows created by the ears.
Excellent work and TFS.

  • Great 
  • odin Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 183 W: 1 N: 207] (1157)
  • [2006-01-26 12:36]

Nice shot of this wonderfull beast Gerhart. It is simply a beautyfull picture. Why killing the rhino for is horn? Humain can be very stupids! Nice shot again,
Sébastien

Very nice panorama of these incredible animals the composition and lighting are excellent. Well done Gerhard . :)

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2006-01-26 17:12]

Hello Gerhard!
Lovely capture.POV,framing,lighting,colors,
sharpness,details and composition are excellent.
TFS...:-)

  • Great 
  • jossim Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1575 W: 5 N: 2181] (12250)
  • [2006-01-26 18:37]

Une belle composition,j'aime bien le contraste ciel et champ.Par contre je crois que la photo soit trop coupée a mon avis il y a une perte d'éclat des couleurs.

Merci Gerhard!


joseph

Hej Gerhard,
a magnificent picture of these powerful animals.
Maeby you could have posted as a LP-version.
I love the low POV. well composed, nice colours and good details. Great note specially the part to behave with the wild animals.
Excellent work, my friend.

  • Great 
  • sAner Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1490 W: 72 N: 1427] (4744)
  • [2006-01-27 1:57]

Hi Gerhard,

Excellent shot with a great POV. Sharp details and the composition is just lovely. Good note btw. TFS!

Regards,
Pieter

Hello Gerhard,

This is a wonderful moment that you have captured, and also a great reminder never to stop quickly when walking in front of a rhino!

I very much like the narrow composition and great details.

Excellent job, and note, thank you!

Would love to hear Paul's story...

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1873 W: 304 N: 4300] (14729)
  • [2006-01-27 20:36]

Excellent.
Thank you, mf Gerhard.
Sorry, I have no time these days to write complete comments.
Very well done. Well deserved icon.

Hi Gerhard,
I'm still very busy, so have no time for a longer visit to TN.
Very good capture, and as always good notes to accompany the image.
Thanks for posting, have a great week.

  • Great 
  • osse Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 962 W: 0 N: 89] (7801)
  • [2006-02-11 19:39]

Hi Gerhard,
Fantastic shot! Excellent composition and great colour.Sharp horn on the adult Rhino.Like the soft color.
TFS
osse

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF