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Indian Rhino Spa


Indian Rhino Spa
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1251 W: 0 N: 4829] (14332)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2002-03
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon EOS 1vHS, Canon EF 300mm f2.8 USM IS, Fuji Provia 100
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Wildlife of Nepal [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-03-25 9:08
Viewed: 871
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is scanned slide. It has not been scanned but has been convered for upload to the site - this shot is a little tricky- I hope it works!

I took this from the back of an elephant. It is the only way to see over the elephant grass, Rhino are quite easy to see in Chitwan – I would usually reckon on seeing about 20-30 during an elephant safari. This one was wallowing contentedly in a pool.

The Greater Indian rhinoceros is one of the largest rhinoceroses. Unlike the other rhinoceroses, the Indian rhinoceros has only one horn. It's skin is a light gray color and it has many folds and bumps. This gives it a heavily armored appearance. The Indian rhinoceros is a forest dweller and an excellent swimmer. It can also run up to 35 miles per hour for a short time. It spends a lot of time wallowing in water and mud to protect its skin. The horn of the rhinoceros is made of keratin, the same substance our fingernails are made of.

The Indian rhinoceros at one time ranged throughout much of Southeast Asia. Today, most of the wild population is found in two protected areas. One area is in Nepal and the other in Assam, India. The Indian rhinoceros is confined to the tall grasslands and riverine forests in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Indian rhinoceroses are solitary creatures. However, they do congregate at bathing areas and wallowing holes. Also, a female rhinoceros will be accompanied by her calf for several years. Male rhinoceroses fight for dominance using their sharp lower teeth and not their horns. During these fights, their folds of skin help protect sensitive areas.
Adanac, delic, ramthakur, Argus has marked this note useful
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To Evelynn: SharpeningJamesp 3 03-26 16:36
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-03-25 21:12]

Hello James

I am impressed with your travel just as much as your wonderful exotic animal shots.A lovely shot of this mud bathing rhino. I particularly like the attentive ears.Nicely composed with sharp details.TFS

Rob

Good Grief... a rhino taken from the back of an elephant! You do get around. It is an interesting shot, though looks a tad oversharpened on my monitor. Thanks for sharing your broad world with my narrow one!!

Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • delic Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 530 W: 6 N: 340] (936)
  • [2007-03-26 4:45]

Hi James,
That's a very impressive shot, esp. considering the vantage point. Aside from what Evelynn pointed out, try to play with contrast, curves, highlight/shadow controls on CS2. I have no specific recipe to suggest but it might help with the glare, etc.
Best,
Hakan

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1043 W: 1 N: 4096] (13768)
  • [2007-03-26 7:49]

Hello James,
Darn a good soak in the water must feel like heaven to them,
Great composition with good detail and colors, thanks for sharing
Rick
:) tomorrow

Hello James,
Though the image has been converted from the original slide, the essential appeal of this close-up shot of the Indian rhino wallowing in water is fully intact.
The angle of light creating two contrasting zones of light and shade on the face and the exposed body of the rhino give the image a three-dimensional look.
I trekked all over Nepal in my younger days but missed Chitwan National Park.
Best regards,
Ram

The quality of the scanned slide doesn't do this great capture any justice, I personally would re-scan the slide and see if you can achieve better contrast levels. If you scan at a high resolution then you shouldn't have any problems with resolution issues. TFS James. :)

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2596 W: 133 N: 7433] (23169)
  • [2007-03-28 12:37]

Hello James,
Interesting shot and note about the Indian Rhino. Though this shot is a little oversharpened after scanning and before loading, it is nicely composed and presented.
TFS and best wishes, Ivan

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