floris wrote:
That last one is really lovely, fantastic emotion and dynamic feel in this one.

Many thanks, Floris - that one stood out for me too!
Susan

Wow! I'm really in awe. #1 just captures it for me. The tones and the reflections with the intense struggle of the beest is such a strong image. It is truly biblical...
Your images always impress, but this one really shines in my opinion. I would love to see this in a BIG print. (I'd be happy to try to make a worthy print, if you don't make your own. ) Of course , I like #4 and the b&w is beautiful, too. But #1 captures the intensity of the crossing in a very powerful way.
stuart

Great work Susan. I hope to be as fortunate when I'm there in February. However, I'm with gerov - I think a croc or two might up the drama a few notches (as long as it's not me crossing the river)!!!!!!

Jay

WOW, awesome images, wish I could go there
Dave

What a treat, Susan! I can hear the Paul Simon song in the background...the 1st and
last are my favorites, thanks for sharing these.

alameda wrote:
Wow and another Wow! Such wonderful shots. My heart rate increased by the excitement your shots carried. Steve W

Multo thanks, Steve and sorry for the delayed response to your kind post!
Susan

cbright wrote:
Oh, Susan! Fine images. Must have been remarkable to witness.

Thanks Chris! It was fun. Hope to shoot with you down in Bosque next year!
Susan

Normcar21 wrote:
My congratulations to Gero for helping you draw out that monochrome shot of the wildebeest, it's a precious photo with a ton of character.

As for the Mara River crossing, I recently watched a video of that crossing that intrigued me immensely because it demonstrated how the "herd" force becomes a protection for the animals who cross, simply because the crocks cannot process the craziness of the herd crossing, whereas with the single animals that rush ahead usually end up being the next crock meal because the "herd" dynamic is non-existent.

Must have been a real pleasure watching the actual event in real time. Great stuff, as usual, Sue.

Thanks Norm! And -- Yeah, yeah, Gero's getting all the credit for the last one.... Just kidding, he is a genius with B&W conversions (and other stuff too, but don't tell him), and I am VERY grateful!!
The crossings are soooooo interesting.... We missed the "decision" - which means I just need to go back!!
Susan

Herderdog wrote:
My oh my. Wow! You know we see this on TV, Susan---but I would imagine to see it in person would be a memory of a lifetime.
Your images are super--I think #3 is simply amazing--should be an award winner somewhere!

Hey Bonnie, I never seriously thought we'd see a crossing - and yes, it was amazing - better than TV!! And thanks for the VERY kind words...
Susan

Dee Dee wrote:
Ditto what herderdog said...these are awesome. Lucky you to get to go on these wonderful trips! I'll bet you have tons of stories as well as photos.

Thanks DeeDee! Yep, many many stories as well....
Susan

JJBub wrote:
Stunning shots, Susan. Great to see these animals so close up that you can see their muscle structure and just how tough a trip it is for them. I am so glad you had your 500 available to really capitalize on this scene. The last shot is a real stunner. Can't wait for the next series.

Thanks so much Cris! I'm with you - the muscles are amazing - so cool to see (kind of a wet T-shirt contest for wildebeest!!! )
Hope you're well -
Susan

Gravitytoy wrote:
Awesome... #4 is my favorite. I love the composition and the clamoring drama of the exit from the crossing. Very nice.

Multo thanks!
Susan

bruceali wrote:
Wow, these are fantastic takes, and thanks for sharing
Bruce

Many many thanks Bruce!
Susan

Laura Hughes wrote:
Wow Sue, I'm moved by your incredible images and narrative, life is so precarious and the plight of these animals tugs my heartstrings.

Thanks Laura - I think perhaps you and I share a similar emotional situation when viewing scenes like this - a complicated mix of awe and hope and joy and sadness... Thanks for your message...
Susan

Shasoc wrote:
Beautiful shots, Susan. You've really captured the all the drama involved in the crossing. The first and last are my favorites. Thanks for sharing,
Socrate

Thank you, Socrate, for the picks!
Susan

Brian Hansen wrote:
Great shots Sue. I like them all but the B&W with dust takes it for me.
Brian


Thanks Brian! It's my favorite too, but don't tell Gero....
Susan

Jude Perera wrote:
A rear posting in the forum. Needless to say the capturing is excellent. Thanks for sharing your experience and excitement.
Jude


Thanks Jude! (I'm assuming that rear = rare, and if not then I will take the humbling in stride.... )
all the best!
Susan

smjphoto wrote:
Wow! I'm really in awe. #1 just captures it for me. The tones and the reflections with the intense struggle of the beest is such a strong image. It is truly biblical...
Your images always impress, but this one really shines in my opinion. I would love to see this in a BIG print. (I'd be happy to try to make a worthy print, if you don't make your own. ) Of course , I like #4 and the b&w is beautiful, too. But #1 captures the intensity of the crossing in a very powerful way.
stuart

Multo thanks, Stuart!! I have a printer, and I haven't yet hooked it up... pathetic, isn't it? I seem to be unable or unwilling to "commit" to specific shots!!
Susan

Elessar wrote:
Great work Susan. I hope to be as fortunate when I'm there in February. However, I'm with gerov - I think a croc or two might up the drama a few notches (as long as it's not me crossing the river)!!!!!!
Jay

Thanks Jay! Wishing you many crossings in February, and even some croc dramas!!! With beests of course....
Susan

photonutt wrote:
WOW, awesome images, wish I could go there
Dave

And when you do, invite me along!!
Susan