a state of relaxation

The elephants were always my favorite animals during my childhood visits to Riverbank's Zoo and nothing has changed over the years. They are amazing creatures with so much character.

The image of the elephant trunk slightly curled is the subject of this photograph. Because of the curled nature of the trunk, a line is created for the viewer's eye to flow around the image. The horizontal lines also lend a relaxed state of balance, creating an image of a creature at rest.

The excellent focus of this photo brings out the detail in the rough texture of the elephant's skin and the bristly nature of the fine hairs on his trunk. The zoom lens enabled this shot to be taken at such a distance without losing the detail of the texture of the skin. Furthermore, the sidelighting helps to emphasis the cylinder shape through the shadows cast on the right side of the trunk.

This image is simplified by the depth of focus and the tight crop which leaves only the trunk itself for the viewer to focus their attention. The red clay ground in the background of the image compliments the deep colors of the elephant's skin tone. However, the greens of the pine on which the elephants were snacking, slightly detract from the subject but add extra context to the image.

I was very pleased with how this photograph turned out. It captured the sought after relaxed nature of the elephants.

To view a larger version of this photo, click here.