This composite work shows an African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) towering high above the photographer. The Elephant stands in the water against a background of blue sky with white clouds.
I photographed this Elephant from a hide somewhere in Botswana. The hide was mostly underground and the photo was taken from ground level. So you are looking up from the ground at the giant Elephant that stood just 5 metres away from me. The distance was so small that I had to use a wide-angle lens to bring the beast into focus. The Elephant knew of my presence in the hide, as for minutes it stood in this position looking at me while I photographed. I have had the opportunity to photograph many animals in Africa, but this encounter with an Elephant was quite special because it highlights how small you are compared to these mighty beasts.
This work was composed of several elements. To simplify the image, I placed the Elephant in the water and replaced the original background with a blue sky with clouds. This completely focuses attention on the mighty Elephant towering high above you. The work should exude strength, grandeur and power, which is also reinforced by the fact that the Elephant is looking straight into the camera.
Welcome to Chris Stenger's site. I have been an enthusiastic landscape, nature and travel photographer for more than 50 years, mainly photographing on long trips to all kinds of pristine areas. I see myself as a contemplative photographer, who enjoys spending hours or days on a single.. Read more…