Quenching the Thirst

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Quenching the Thirst
Photo Information
Copyright: Anna Eksteen (Miss_Piggy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 799 W: 0 N: 915] (2801)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-07
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC H9, Digital ISO 100
Exposure: f/4, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite African animal photos, Alex99 favorite shots [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-04-10 12:27
Viewed: 1080
Favorites: 3 [view]
Points: 174
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Nyala / Tragelaphus angasi

Loot and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary while staying at the Abu Madi Private Game Reserve, situated west of the Lebombo Mountains in the heart of Zululand. This site is ideally situated between other bigger game reserves in the area, making daily excursions to these locations very feasible and most enjoyable. So, whilst staying at Abu Madi we also visited the uMkhuze Game Reserve on 2 separate days and another day at the Phongolo Nature Reserve.

The 1st outing to uMkhuze was most challenging to me. Since I started with photography (3 months ago) one of the largest subjects I have captured thus far was my first photo on Trek Nature "Kingfisher for Loot". Up till now I preferred to capture small creatures like insects or garden birds, but when I saw the result of these Nyalas on the LCD monitor, I was really bowled over as I never expected such a display of beauty from my hand (ok, with a lot of help from the Sony & Loot).

These Nyalas (ewe & young ram) are such majestic and graceful animals and I really enjoyed capturing them. It was as if their beauty increased each time I looked at them from another angle. We spent most of the 1st day sitting at the Kwamalibala hide and it turned out to be a most successful photographic day. I especially enjoyed sitting in the hides, watching the animals come to drink water. The day I took this photo (the 2nd day at the Kumasinga hide) we saw rhino, warthog, zebra, impala, vervet monkeys, nyala, wildebeest and a great variety of birds at the waterhole.

We enjoyed the mini-holiday, appreciating not only the animals, but also the amazing landscape and the splendour of nature surrounding us. Obviously we were regretful that the few days had to end so soon. On our way back to Empangeni, we entered the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, driving through yet another haven of peace and beauty and ended our day moving down to drive through the iMfolozi Game Reserve.

Description
The handsome slate-brown shaggy coat is marked with white vertical stripes and spots on the flanks. Rams appear more charcoal-grey in colour. They have a ridge of long hairs along the under parts, from behind the chin to between the hind legs; they also have a mane of thick, black hair from the head along the spine to the rump.

A shallow V-shaped white chevron runs between the eyes and there are 2-3 white spots on each cheek. There are 8-14 narrow white vertical stripes on each side, which become less distinct with age.

The forefeet of the males are relatively broader than those of the females. Only the rams have the yellow orange 'socks' on the legs. Adult males are also larger than females, and only the rams carry the slightly spiraled horns, which are tipped with whitish-yellow. Ewes are much smaller and do not have horns. Ewes are chestnut-coated with even more prominent white stripes on the flanks.

Distribution
As a result of translocation, Nyalas are found in a number of game reserves and private farms throughout South Africa. They are most numerous in the Kruger National Park.

Habitat
This rather large antelope inhabits dense woodlands and thickets along permanent water. It is very secretive and more easily seen at night. Nyala is non-territorial, but both sexes have overlapping home ranges. Although it may feed in adjacent open areas, it never moves far from cover.

Behaviour
Although usually silent, they sometimes communicate with some very distinctive sounds. Females, for instance, utter a throaty clicking sound when tending their calves; a ram, acting sentry, will let out a resonant, warning bark when danger threatens, sending the rest of the herd fleeing for safety. A calf, separated from its mother, will bleat pitifully.

Older rams can often be seen browsing among herds of other antelope, especially impala. Rams do not hold territories but appear to rely on displays, which include raising the neck mane and walking very slowly and with stiff legs, to establish dominance hierarchies.

Food
The variety in their diet is one of the factors ensuring their successful survival. Nyala are mixed grazer-browsers, and eat leaves, twigs, flowers and fruits from a wide variety of plants, as well as grass, particularly after rain. In spite of the fact that baboons have been known to eat nyala young, nyala often associate with them, picking up the remains of wild fruit, berries and leaves discarded by the baboons on foraging expeditions.

Reproduction
They breed throughout the year, but mating peaks in autumn and spring. Single calves are born after a gestation period of 220 days, usually in the cover of a thicket. The calf hides in the grass for about 18 days, after which it joins the herd. Twins are not uncommon. Ewes first conceive between 14-18 months. Average interval between births is 297 days. Mating opportunities for rams are decided through dominance behaviour.

Vital Statistics
Weight (Female): 55-68kg
Weight (Male): 92-126kg
Horns: 64 cm (record = 84cm) Source

I hope you enjoy looking at this photo as much as I took pleasure in taking it.
nglen, Gert-Paassen, Jamesp, claudine, lovenature, CeltickRanger, rcrick, Proframe, anilnediyara, JPlumb, SelenE, cataclysta, mariki, PaulH, ellis49, matatur, Alex99, Luis52, marhowie, maurydv, jaycee, Amadeo, eqshannon, stevkds, Argus, ramthakur, spalaxtr, goldyrs, Aaltjie, izler, boreocypriensis, MMM, valy67, haraprasan, wuta, NinaM, kmr13777, Heaven, Adanac, kessi, jusninasirun, Rehanna, degani, angybone, smitha, Dyker, oscarromulus, horia, uleko, mesquens, loot, eng55, zulfu has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To janhendrik: DankieMiss_Piggy 1 07-25 07:02
To loot: ThanksMiss_Piggy 1 05-23 01:21
To kessi: Hallo IrmgardMiss_Piggy 1 04-18 06:14
To earthtraveler: Hallo RichardMiss_Piggy 1 04-18 03:37
To pablominto: Hallo PabloMiss_Piggy 1 04-18 03:35
To Aaltjie: Hallo AaltjieMiss_Piggy 1 04-18 03:34
To ramthakur: Hallo RamMiss_Piggy 1 04-18 03:33
To ellis49: Hallo GertMiss_Piggy 1 04-15 06:23
To PeterZ: Hallo PeterMiss_Piggy 2 04-11 12:55
To nglen: Hallo NickMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:21
To Hil: Hallo HilMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:19
To Jamesp: Hallo JamesMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:17
To vanderschelden: Hallo AnnickMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:16
To lovenature: Hallo JaniceMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:16
To Proframe: Hallo HarryMiss_Piggy 2 04-11 07:16
To saguzar: Hallo HernanMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:15
To anilnediyara: Hallo AnilMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:15
To FunkyMunky: Hallo PeterMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:14
To lousat: Hallo LousianoMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:13
To waylim: Hallo WayMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:10
To claudine: Hallo ClaudineMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:07
To JPlumb: Hallo JohnMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:04
To cataclysta: Hallo KrzystofMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 07:02
To PaulH: Hallo PaulMiss_Piggy 1 04-11 06:57
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1864 W: 2 N: 4738] (18250)
  • [2008-04-10 12:33]
  • [+]

Hi Anna. Congratulations to you and Loot we are heading to our 37th this september. You werein a beautiful place at the time. You have captured a fine picture of the pair the detail and colours are first class. you have captured the markings so well. TFS. good notes too.
Nick..

Hi Anna,

Beautiful colors, great pose of the animals while drinking water.
Sharpness and lots of details,

regards Gert

Hello Anna,
Excellent photo in outstanding beautiful natural colours and light. Great sharpness and details. Very nice POV and composition. Very curious to the other photos.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1223 W: 0 N: 4449] (13290)
  • [2008-04-10 13:00]
  • [+]

Hi Anna

Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. I was in Mhkuze on 29 March - probably in the same hide! A great shot - good composition and POV with good colour and superb detail. Well observed and captured.

James

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 782 W: 11 N: 1380] (4759)
  • [2008-04-10 13:03]
  • [+]

Hi Anna

Lovely shot of the Nyalas
Nicely composed with a excellent POV and a superb pose with them drinking at the waterhole.
Excellent details and nice natural colours.
I like the way you have captured one of each so we can clearly see the differance between the M & F.
Great note too.

Congrats on your Anniversary

Hil

Hello Anna,
Wonderful photo. Technically as well as aesthetically.
Congrats
TFS
Annick

Hi Anna
Congratulations on your 27th Wedding Anniversary!!!

I like the natural pose and location of these two Nyala. They sure have interesting marking. They are really a beautiful animal. The ridge of fur along their backbone and mane are unique looking. The detail is sharp and colors rich. Great note too.
TFS Janice

Woow Anna,what a incredible pic! Same position but differents colours,a very nice couple,excellent quality under all corners of view.My best compliments for your work,Luciano. P.S. I must dedicate you my last purple flower!!eheeh..have a nice day.

Welcome Back Anna,
I hope you had a great time and took many wonder photos. Looking forward to see many from you and Loot.
These two are just soo... Beautiful. Excellent clarity and sharpness. The detail are just so spot on. The white stripes on their body almost look like someone draw it with a white chalk or pastel. Good composition and colors and light are just perfectly balanced. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Way

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 557 W: 39 N: 1001] (3266)
  • [2008-04-10 15:54]

Hi Loot & Anna,

Firstly many congratulations on 27 years together, what a celebration, this is a wonderful image, excellent POV, I love the tight crop, stunning detail, just beautiful,

All the best Rick :)

Hola Anna,
Una muy bella imagen de dos antílopes bebiendo, me gusta el acercamiento logrado, no debe ser tan facil acercarse a esos animales tan nerviosos y asustadizos. Todo un privilegio tener esa enorme variedad de grandes mamíferos tan cerca de sus casas. Aqui la megafauna se extinguió después de la edad de hielo hace 10.000 años, y casi no hay variedad de animales grandes.
Saludos cordiales
Hernán

Congratulations Anna to you and Loot.
What a wonderful place to stay during your wedding anniversary surrounded by very beautiful animals like these.
You've done a great job on sharpness and exposure.
Most wonderful colors and details.
Great note and excellent composition.
A real joy to look at. TFS!!!

Kindest regards, Harry

Hi Anna,
First, I would like to congratulate you and Loot for this great "achievement" of 27 years of common life; this is beautiful! What a nice way to represent this sweet moment you lived for this anniversary. Those two creatures are wonderful and very unusual to me (they look like they have being hand painted...:)

Exposure, details, composition and POV are very nice. The image is crystal clear and I really enjoy looking at those beautiful animals in their natural surroundings. I think that you are lucky to live in a country where wild life is so abundant and accessible. Thanks,
Claudine

Great picture, Anna. I don't often get to see Nyala, even in Kruger, you were luckt to get this great shot. The color is very natural and the composition is perfect! Well done!
Peter

Hi Anna,
First of all let me congratulate you and Loot on your 27th wedding anniversary.

You have got a wonderful shot Nyalas, beautiful colours and composition. Informative and well written notes of your posts were and are enjoyable as usual.

Regards
Anil

Hi Anna, what a great shot of these two Nyalas. To be honest I've never heard of a Nyala before, so what a great introduction for me to this animal, with this shot of yours. Your composition with both the male and female drinking is just shy of incredible. The colour and that great sharp detail, found on the two of them is very good.

Thanks, enjoyed! John

Hi Anna
Hierdie is baie mooi. Jy is BAIE gelukkig om Loot te hê wat jou kan touwys maak en wat jou kan help met die plasings. Jy kan absoluut sy profesionele hand hierin sien!! Baie goed gedoen Anna. Ek geniet jou en Loot se fotos baie.

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2337 W: 59 N: 4094] (13345)
  • [2008-04-11 0:52]

Hi Anna,
Congratulations to you and Loot on your 27th anniversary. I wish you both a long and a happy life together.
This is a lovely capture. I liked the focus, sharpness, details, lighting and pose you captured.
TFS
Greetings,
Selen

Hi Anna
Great educational and great techically presentation. Very good note. I like the moment good sharpness and nice natural situation
TFS
Krzysztof

Hello Anna,

Great picture of this two antelopes. Excellent POV, DOF and sharpness. Beautiful detail of the fur ot the animals. Splendid colours.
Thanks for sharing,
Cheers,
Mariki

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1555 W: 233 N: 5091] (17959)
  • [2008-04-11 3:06]

Gorgeous photo of these two Nyala!
The warm light is excellent!
Superb sharpness and clarity.
Excellent composition.
Very nice work Anna!
Well done,

Joe

hello Anna

lovely close shot of these Nyalas, fine POV and DOF,
excellent density of the colours, i love it,
great sharpness and details, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 981 W: 17 N: 2563] (9450)
  • [2008-04-11 5:53]
  • [+]

Hi Anna,
What a lovely portrait of this pair. Very good detail, colour reproduction and clarity. I wonder did you try any in portrait format from further out to include their reflections?
tfs and have a great weekend,
Paul
P.S: well done on 27 years!

Hi Anna,
congrats on your and Loots anniversary, this is a very fine picture for celebration.
Well composed with nice POV and you managed to take a good action of the drinking antelopes.
The details are very good and the DOF as well. Maybe some more of the water but that's a minor nit.
Beautiful work.

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2447 W: 207 N: 2035] (8113)
  • [2008-04-11 8:05]

Hello Anna,
welcome back and first of all congratulations for your Anniversary. Looks like you had a wonderful time at the Game Reserve and came back with great pictures.
I like this shot, it has such rich colors and wonderful details. The sharpness is also very nice and you composition is wonderful.
A loving couple sharing every day life and enjoying each others company.
TFS..Sky

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2935 W: 142 N: 4217] (13775)
  • [2008-04-11 9:37]

Hi Anna.
I am amazed with your simply outstanding wild nature picture. All is brilliant. And terrific sharpness and details, and splendid colours, and very nice scene at whole, and framing/composition. Bravo and my congratulations. Superb job.
Alexei.

Such beautiful specimens in a natural behavior and environment, captured expertly in sharp detail within a perfect compositional frame Anna, thank you indeed for sharing this fine scene with us, my friend.
Cheers,
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • Nilson Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 342 W: 0 N: 263] (2095)
  • [2008-04-11 15:19]

Ola Anna
Belissima foto com boa nitidez e claridade, as cores do pêlo dos animais ficaram com uma nitidez impressionante, a luminosidade tambem é boa.
Parabens
Nilson

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1036 W: 5 N: 2728] (9914)
  • [2008-04-11 18:16]

Hi Anna.
Nice to see Your photos once again. Hope You had a great time in company of Loot.
This is a beautiful Nature Photo. Very well framend and it has a high quality lavel.
TFS My dear friend.
Luis52.

Hi Anna, splendid couple in drinking pose with perfect focus, fantastic colors and fascinating atmosphere, superb sharpness, very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Hi Anna,
The quality looks great, nice & sharp.
Perfect color and exposure with excellent DOF too.
I like the ewe & ram together, displaying their differences.
I enjoyed viewing your image very much, yes.
But being there and getting the shot..Come on, there's no comparison!
It's good to know I have friends in South Africa..I may just show up at your door-step one day :)
Howard

Splendida "prima" di mammiferi, eccellenti POV e DOF, bellissima composizione stretta sui soggetti con un piccolo spazio per l'acqua che ne esalta le posture e le caratteristiche fisiche, ottimi i dettagli e magnifici i colori. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1675 W: 8 N: 4022] (13255)
  • [2008-04-12 9:48]

Hi Anna,

Firstly, a belated Happy Anniversary to you and Loot. What a wonderful way to celebrate! I am not familiar with these animals but they are beautiful and your picture of the two drinking is wonderful. Marvelous colors - they look painted. Razor sharp details and an excellent picture. I hope you have lots more to share with us.

Jane

Hello Anna,
My respect to your little friend H9 for sharing this superb fine image of the Nyalas in such sharpness, awesome colouration and perfect details in every part of the image!
very well done and many thanks for the sharing
my regards to Loot too!
cheers
Tony

  • Great 
  • Amadeo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 166 W: 0 N: 489] (2154)
  • [2008-04-12 12:27]

Hola Anna, muy bonita fotografia, muy buena composición, nitida, con preciosos colores y una luz perfecta. Un saludo

There is something about perfection in an image which sticks right out....and this is an example of a perfect image. Very nice and welcome back from your travels...
Bob

Hi Anna,
Your pictures are interesting.
This shot is beautiful. Very pure and sharp shot
Harmony of atmosphere, colours, lightning. Very well done. TFS. B rgds. Stefan

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1687 W: 20 N: 4738] (15476)
  • [2008-04-13 0:42]

Hi Anna,
Outstanding shot of these Nyalas quenching their thirst. Very neat and sharp image and I like the distinct colour difference in both. Great moment and pose captured here with fine DOF and a skillfully chosen POV. Excellent composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2416 W: 132 N: 6653] (20877)
  • [2008-04-13 6:54]

Hello Anna,
Congratulations on your recent wedding anniversery!
This is a beautiful capture of a pair of Nyala Antilopes at the water hole. The technical aspects are first class and the POV showing their faces as they drink is great.
A fine image and thanks for sharing it!
Ivan

What a fine pair of these Nyalas, Anna!
Very good perspective to capture these beautiful animals drinking water.
Amazingly attractive colours and very sharp focus.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful image and warm regards.
Ram

Great shot!! The sharpness of the picture amazes me. Good composition and lighting. I don't remember seeing Nyalas before. Good composition and POV.

Hi Anna,
Congratulations to you for your 27th wedding anniversary. Photo simply great. Colors, composition, exposure and details superb. TFS. Regards,
Mustafa

  • Great 
  • clnaef Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 758 W: 57 N: 595] (6125)
  • [2008-04-13 23:55]

Bonjour,
Magnifique contraste des pelages et bonnes explication.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

Hello Anna,
Aren't they beautiful animals..!
This is a fine capture with super details in the fur coat and I notice the difference in colours possibly gender related...
Action is well captured and presented in a well balanced composition!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Anna,
Hope you and Loot enjoyed your time away...
Welcome back!I'd honestly never heard of Nyalas!
Yoy've captured them very well, indeed!
Cheers!
Goldy

My friend Miss P
For a first large animal you have photographed this is just too beautiful. You have caught them in a relaxed mood and pose. They could have been twins. The colour and patterns on their bodies are really super and it shows clearly on the photo. I have also always liked these bucks. Especially the older males with the longer and darker manes, and well formed hornes. I am sure if you photographed them you will show it to us sooner or later. You and Loot was very lucky to have such a few days of escape. You can also be lucky to have had Loot by your side the day in the hide, because his input in this image is noticeable, but I must say you are turning out to be a talented lady behind the camera. Well done and keep it up. Many can learn from both you and Loot. Thanks for sharing. Your note was once again very helpful and educational.
Kind regards
Aaltjie

  • Great 
  • carper Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2165 W: 124 N: 2567] (8208)
  • [2008-04-14 10:28]

marvelous photo Anna,
great view, fantastic composition, good quality and a exelent photojob, my compliments for it Anna.
gr. jaap

Hi Anna,
A splendid and lovely shot of these beautifull Nyalas my friend with excellent details. TFS.
Greetings from Cyprus,
Bayram

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 753 W: 0 N: 1457] (6594)
  • [2008-04-14 15:21]

Hi Anna
Beautiful cristal clear image.Nice POV and well composed image.Perfect focus and sharp detail.
TFS MIchel

  • Great 
  • chiliu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1549 W: 0 N: 1182] (6482)
  • [2008-04-14 16:34]

Hi Anna,
Very beautiful animals and very well captured with great POV, nice natural colours.
Chi

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3082 W: 231 N: 5811] (19540)
  • [2008-04-14 17:04]

Hi Anna,
It sounds like you and Loot had a great time on your anniversary. I am so glad, as you both certainly deserve it.
These two nyalas are indeed two beauties.
I love the frontal POV and almost parallel poses.
The juxtaposition of those two also offer a fetching contrast in their variations in color and headgear (one with horns and one without). Their colours and markings are lovely, and the focus and exposure could not be better.
A superb image, Anna. Congratulations.
Welcome back and TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • valy67 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1318 W: 52 N: 1782] (5274)
  • [2008-04-14 23:30]

Hello Anna !
Wow, this is a splendid picture ! Excellent shaprness, details and clarity, nice natural colors, beautiful composition and POV. You have also capturedthe Nyalasat the perfect moment, while drinking. And, of course, the animals are gorgeous. I love the colors, particularly the beautiful intense brown of the female.Their markings are beautiful too.Must have been a great moment for you to meet these two beautiés, perfect to celebrate an even such important as 27 years of common life. Congratulations !
Valerie.

Hi Anna,
My CONGRATULATIONS to you and Loot for completing 27 years together. A very nice capture of these two beautiful deers. Excellent details and composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Anna
Don't know how I missed this photo but it is an absolute beauty. The clarity is superb and you have captured the moment perfectly. This would look great in any wildlife book.TFS.
Mike

  • Great 
  • wuta Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 879 W: 2 N: 605] (2032)
  • [2008-04-15 10:16]

Hello Anna , Great shot from this duo ,good sharpnes ,details pov colours , and congratulations to you and loot with youre 27 wedding day ,greetings Teunie

Hi Anna!

I now understand the real sense of your comment on my snowy pictures... I guess it's because you don't see so many snow in your country! Well, this is certainly compensated by other atmospheres and possibilities for silent contemplation... and I have the perfect proof for this when I look at this marvellous, so peaceful and harmonic picture. I would answer to your comment that it must be a wonderful feeling to approach these animals and to live in such a beautiful country...

Congratulations for this beautiful, well composed and technically perfect picture.

Kind regards

Markus

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1029 W: 1 N: 3939] (13258)
  • [2008-04-16 6:47]

Hello Anna,
First Happy Anniversary. What an absolutely beautiful image of these two quenching their thirst. Camera work looks spot on, resulting in an excellent image. Add the great note and you have a splendid posting. Thanks for sharing Anna.
Rick

  • Great 
  • izler Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1216 W: 78 N: 843] (6904)
  • [2008-04-16 9:04]

hello Anna
good capture and well composed of these cute mammals
i like POV, colours, sharpness and informative note
TFS
regards
izler

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 544 W: 0 N: 1303] (4365)
  • [2008-04-16 14:55]

Wow,Anna, this is a great shot of superb animals! The moment is perfect and the colours of their coat is superb one close to the other one. I love the pov as well, we see them very well drinking water. It seems your small vacation brought you to another dimension in photography, I am very happy for you. And happy anniversary to you and Loot!

Francine

pts tomorrow

Hi Anna, Congrats on reaching 27 years with Loot. What a wonderful adventure to celebrate the occasion. Super work with these Nyala. The sharp detail and color is wonderful and they are nicely posed drinking next to each other. Tfs Richard

  • Great 
  • kessi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 88 W: 5 N: 76] (221)
  • [2008-04-17 9:14]
  • [+]

Wow, Anna,
Sharp as it can get. I can even see the ticks on the stomach of the fawn. If this is the work you do after 3 months of photography, I am seriously impressed. I love the way you caught the wrinkling of the noses as they gently lap up the water. The different colouring of both is so detailed and is a great opportunity for comparison of age. I like the way one only sees the reflection of the muzzles and a small part of their hooves in the water. This keeps the focus on the restfulness of the two antelope as they quench their thirst.
Verrry, verrry nice.

best wishes,
kessi

Hello Ana. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous image in perfect synchronization. Both are so sharp and vivid details and must be lucky to be able to see them in natural habitat. Beautiful animal well captured under well lit and perfect exposure. Best regards. Jusni

Hello Anna

Ja mens, die trappie na die volgende vlak het begin en ek kan sien wie het jou hand vas gehou. Maar eers geluk met die 27 jaar herdenking en tussen die twee van julle wat nou saam julle fotografie kan geniet gaan hierdie 27 nog verdubbel. Hierdie Njalas is puik hoor. So skerp as kan kom en 'n pragtige komposisie. Jy mag nou maar voort gaan en in die toekoms nie net die goggatjies en tuin voëltjies vir ons wys nie. Nie dat ek kla nie want ons het tog 'n paar baie interessant goetertjies vanaf jou tuin gesien. Ek is nuuskierig om te sien wat jy nog in stoor vir ons het van julle vakansietjie. Ek sal maar moet geduldig wag ek kyk wat uitkom.

Groete
Rehanna

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 982 W: 64 N: 1199] (4856)
  • [2008-04-18 1:56]

Hello Anna
What a marvellous capture this!! It's so cute seeing this couple drinking together! You managed a magnificent shot with great sharpness, natural colors and fantastic POV and composition. I love it! The note is complete and interesting too.
Congratulations and TFS
Greetings
Maite

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 4 N: 1811] (8608)
  • [2008-04-18 2:55]

Hello Anna,
Composition +++
View +++
Clarity +++
Focus +++
In all ++++
Ganesh smiely tmrw

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3339 W: 144 N: 5643] (16725)
  • [2008-04-18 3:07]

It is wonderful to see the images on the LCD monitor - especially when you don't think the camera is taking such good photos. This is awesome Anna - forget the bugs - get out there in the WILD and shoot the big stuff now :))))
Brilliant pair of Nyalas - the differences in the coats of mother and child show up really well - BRAVO
Janice

  • Great 
  • degani Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 184 W: 0 N: 255] (2018)
  • [2008-04-18 13:58]

Hi Anna,
this is simply a beautiful picture, bright and with great colours, very well done, brava
kind regards
franco

Great to see you posting again!
Missed your work. Wonderful stuff! :D

Wow great shot
very good sharpness nice moment and vaery good colours
a great shot
Toba

  • Great 
  • smitha Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 296 W: 79 N: 899] (3409)
  • [2008-04-19 10:55]

Dear Anna,
Fantastic shot! Excellent POV, and action captured. Amazing sharpness and details.Good colours and contrasts. I really enjoyed looking at this picture and also reading your notes. I can imagine your pleasure while shooting such big subjects after all those macro shots.:) I felt it when i had the chance to shoot the Baby elephant which I posted for Loot.
I liked this shot so much that I am going to add this to my favourites.
Thanks for the share,
Regards,
Smitha.
Happy to hear that you had a wonderful anniversary.

This is just an amazing capture.
The focus and details are right on.
Both are in the frame the right amount to me.
The lighting is nice, especially on the left one.
Congrats on your 27th!!!Wonder what date it was...we just did our 28th on 11th this month.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2726 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-04-22 8:47]

Hello Anna

What exceptional clarity.
A lovely capture of this duo.
The details are sharp and the focus is very good.
Well composed ,the POV is wonderful.
TFS

Rob

Bonsoir Anna
Elles sont très belles ces antilopes.
Merci de nous faire partager la beauté sauvage de ton pays
Amicalement
Laurent

Wowww Anna,
splendid and great quality shot
Colours are fantastics, lovely pose and perfect focus, all is perfect on this one,
great post,
cheer,
friendly,
Pat

Hi Anna,
Great details and colors on the animals. Very strange colors though, with one of them brighter than the other. Great POV and light.

TFS
Kirti

  • Great 
  • Dyker Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 132 W: 0 N: 53] (142)
  • [2008-04-28 6:52]

Hello Anna
So at last its of to the wild outdoors for you as well. The bug has bitten and it's bitten good. You say you enjoyed sitting at the hide, but I am sure it's not the first time you sat at a hide only now you had a different motivation. The two nyalas are lovely and you have really managed to show a wonderful moment at the waterhole.
Greetings
AC

Hi Anna,

Congrats for the special day in life..
27th wedding anniversary.. and you give us this delight...
EXCELLENT IN COMPOSITION.

jp

Anna,
Love your notes. Done with taste.
We, in Calgary, have a Bongo in captivity. It's a HUGE male.
It goes CRAZY bashing its horns into the fence. SO SO SAD.
However, here your showing us, not one but two, FREE TO ROAM in the wild. BEAUTIFULLY REGISTERED and SHARED.
These too have their dangers.... CROCS & Lions etc: etc:
Mario with greetings.

Wonderful colors are made me stun on this one Anna! For me the colours are unusual for the similar species which i know. Sharpness is superb on the subjects and photo is lively. i must also say that there is a tranquility in it.
I really like this one!

btw, congratulations to you and to Loot!
Ersin

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2070 W: 214 N: 3542] (11790)
  • [2008-04-30 6:46]

Hi Anna

First of all, BIG congratulations for both you and Loot for your nice wedding anniversary! I think you chose a very nice way to celebrate it :)

This is a gorgeous capture of these two beauties in such a tranquil setting. Their similar pose is great and the POV from where you took this is also excellent!
Very sharp and well saturated, this post is one of your best in my opinion.
Great work!

Bravo and TFS
Horia

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2297 W: 163 N: 6694] (21146)
  • [2008-05-02 4:12]

Hello Anna,
Superb capture of these beautiful animals drinking at the water hole. I love your point of view and sharpness and colours are most impressive. A real masterpiece!
Many thanks, Ulla

Hello Anna,
Congratulations on your 27th wedding anniversary. You celebrate it with a wonderful image that shows excellent clarity in the bongoes. Well done and tell Loot congratulations for me. TFS
Paul :)

Hi Anna,
Great shot, clear, sharp and a superior POV
Beautiful animals.
TFS
Raimundo

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  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1497 W: 18 N: 2924] (10762)
  • [2008-05-14 12:00]

Hi Anna

As someone who likes to photograph small mammals I can imagine that suddenly taking such large animals would be challenging! You did a cracking job here. I love this double shot and the low POV. It is sharp, detailed and well exposed. This may be a bit late but I wish you congratulations on your anniversary and wish you many more happy years.

TFS

Karan

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5633 W: 594 N: 3202] (8699)
  • [2008-05-18 3:26]
  • [3] [+]

Hi Anna

I still vividly remember this day, when your camera battery gone on the blink just as we arrived at the hide and you had to go back to the car to fetch the spare battery. This actually robbed you of a wonderful opportunity to photograph the rhino that was drinking at the waterhole, because by the time you got back, the rhino had left. That's how we learn by paying our school fees through this kind of tough experiences (chuckle).

The soft light from the overcast condition gave you great opportunity to capture this lovely shot. Definitely one of the better Nyala photos I've seen in quite a while and the female and young male is in beautiful condition. That little Sony in your hands captured amazing details. The colour saturation is a visual bonus. I agree, the only small nit is perhaps the slightly narrow strip of water. A little more of the drink would probably have suited this shot quite perfectly. Anyway, the rest of the composition is great with excellent cropping and positioning of the animals.

Good work and TFS.
Regards
Loot

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 339 W: 3 N: 371] (1095)
  • [2008-05-30 8:52]
  • [2]

Hi Anne,
Beautiful scane.Well caught and composed.Details,sharpness,colors,3D effect and visual impact are excellent.
Thanks for posting.

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 441 W: 0 N: 68] (472)
  • [2008-06-25 21:56]

Hello Anna, Good Morning!
Great capture of these cute ruminant mammals in drinking water. Lovely shot indeed. Also congratulations your wedding anniversary (sory for delaying). TFS. Regards,
Mehmet

Aangename kennis Anna, :-)

Ek was so lanklaas op TN dat ek nie eers geweet het Loot se beste helfte is hier nie. Baie goed gedoen met die toerusting tot jou beskikking. Pragtige foto. Ek dink hierdie is die eerste jong nyala ram wat ek in my lewe sien. Het voorheen nog net volgroeide ramme gesien. Dankie, en baie welkom hier.

Groete
Jan-Hendrik

My punte is klaar vir vandag, maar ek sal dit more regstel.

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