Rules are there to be broken… When it comes to photography it is drilled into us that composition is everything and that in order to have the ‘perfect’ photograph you need to follow a set of ‘rules’. In wildlife photography, specifically, one of these rules is that you never want to cut up your subject by over cropping. Although in today’s blog, this is exactly what we have done. We have taken some of the best up close and personal shots that we could find, just in order to prove that sometimes breaking the rules can work in your favour.
The texture of an elephants skin makes for some of the best close up images. Photographed by Simon Smit
A close-up of the Tamboti Young Female’s many forms of weaponry. Photographed by Trevor McCall-Peat
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An impala chews on a tasty treat. Impala’s have the most beautiful eyes so the standard picture of them generally shows their eyes but in this image showing only the mouth adds a huge amount to the emphasis on the chewing. Photographed by Trevor McCall-Peat
Paws and tail, slung comfortably over branches. Photographed by Lucien Beaumont
The ears of an African elephant are one of their most prominent features. When you sit in the presence of an elephant, its ears attract a great deal of attention. Using shadows and high contrasts can make for the perfect close up. Photographed by Simon Smit
A very prominent and unique feature of elephants is their trunk. The way in which they move it and the control they have over it is mesmerizing. Simon has managed to capture this control in this image whilst the elephant uses his trunk to drink. Photographed by Simon Smit
The ‘spots’ of a leopard are actually called rosettes and as seen in this picture are different to what one would expect of a leopards coat. Photographed by Talley Smith
The ominous licking of the lips whilst staring straight at us… Photographed by Simon Smit
The vertical stripes on the face of this young Burchell’s Zebra stallion make this photo. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Capturing only the eyes of the lion intensifies the stare. Photographed by Adam Bannister
A splash of colour. Photographed by Simon Smit
Soulful eyes protected by long eyelashes. Photographed by Adam Bannister
So much to look at in this image, textures, shapes and colours not seen all that often. Macro photography takes close-ups to a new level. Photographed by Simon Smit
The tail of the Vomba female leopard in all its glory. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Clutching of claws. Photographed by Andrea Campbell
The paw of one of the Sparta Pride sub-adults. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Have you ever ‘broken the rules’ of composition and if so, has it worked out for you?
Written by: Kate Neill
Beautiful images. Unusual, but working so well.
All really special thank you all & you Kate for sharing. The first ellie pic is outstanding.
I love them all, especially the elephant eyelashes!
I loved the close-ups, just the way I like to photograph. Good composition Simon. Thanks for sharing.
Just lovely. What beautiful composition. I’m overcome with pure joy! So So special are these wonderful animals.
Beautiful Kate – I especially like the impala chewing, very unusual. Thanks for sharing.