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Which Board? => Photo Essays => : kentish cob April 10, 2016, 10:21:35 PM

: b&w zoo portraits
: kentish cob April 10, 2016, 10:21:35 PM
I've been taking a look through lots of my old negs recently, and scanning the shots that appeal, which has given me a handful of potential essays to bring before you.

The first is a small selection of b&w animal portraits taken at either of the Aspinall Foundation parks down here in Kent.
Hope you enjoy. As always, your comments and critiques are positively encouraged.

A couple of cats first...
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: kentish cob April 10, 2016, 10:23:23 PM
... and now some rhinos and elephants...
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: imagesfrugales April 12, 2016, 09:55:35 AM
The elephants are brilliant. Bravo!
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: Bryan April 12, 2016, 02:44:47 PM
The elephants are brilliant. Bravo!

I agree!
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: limr April 16, 2016, 03:58:11 PM
The elephants are brilliant. Bravo!

I agree!

Thirded!

Though I also must give the snow leopards a mention. Great shots!
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: Urban Hafner April 16, 2016, 05:22:53 PM
Yeah, very nice! We go to the zoo regularly with the kids and now that I have a 100-300mm lens I may try something similar as well.
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: kentish cob April 18, 2016, 05:47:59 PM
I know the subject of zoos can be an emotive one, and I guess you have to have seen a bad one, to appreciate the good ones, so I nearly didn't post this series, for fear of opening up a non-photographic debate. But it must be said that the Aspinall Foundation parks in Kent are highly regarded for their successful breeding programs, reintroduction and field conservation work with some of the worlds most critically endangered species.

So... Thanks all, for your kind words of encouragement. It's most appreciated.
Leonore, I knew you'd like the cats..! :)
: Re: b&w zoo portraits
: Late Developer April 19, 2016, 11:21:43 AM
I like the series.  I'm not anti-zoo / wildlife park as there are many species that benefit from there being such facilities (so long as they're run by experts and are compassionate towards the animals.

I'm a big fan of elephants, so that photo resonates most with me.  Highly social but also very protective.  For all their bulk and power, they are incredibly vulnerable.