The White Stripes, a photo from Gauteng, East

Photographer's Note

Some zoologists have suggested that zebra stripes act as a protective camouflage against predators. According to this theory, their bold markings break up their body outline, making them difficult to see from far away. Another explanation for zebra markings is that in a herd, zebra stripes confuse would-be attackers by making it hard for them to single out an individual animal from a backdrop of constantly shifting stripes. Zebras purposely stand facing different directions for this reason.

The zebra is a fast runner, capable of speeds up to 40 mph, and can kill a leopard with one well-placed kick. If the zebra can get away from a predator in the first 100 yards, it is probably safe from harm (for the time-being)!

I adjusted the contrast on this pic to bring out the boldness of the stripes. Unfortunately, it also made the grass in the background very white. All comments/critiques welcome!

markpanos, Elduque, thebig_d81, fireflyz, tyaney, srpablillo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

arindam_thokder (3987) 2005-10-07 15:07

Hey, this is nice. I like the way Zebras are standing, facing 3 diff sides. Good idea of making this B/W matching with the color of them.

markpanos (1977) 2005-10-07 15:21

Very wonderful composition.
Perfect crop.
The POV for such situation is the best.
And,well a B&W photo for a zebra...is always a good idea :)

Keep moving Shannon

Elduque (624) 2005-10-08 1:54

Despite the problem you comment about the contrast of the grass, the photo is so much in accordance with the comment (very good explanation) that it could perfectly fit in a zoology book.
Regards. Antonio Elduque

thebig_d81 (777) 2005-10-08 17:24

Good use of the black and white in this one with the zebras originally being black and white. I like how you have captured the different stances with a good note to go with it.
Darren

fireflyz (2097) 2005-10-11 19:07

Wow! what a scene you captured here! I love zebras and this is a nice pano of these three with good formation. Nice job!
Skye

Calimero76 (10957) 2005-10-12 1:56

Bonjour Shannon
j'aime la position des zèbres
devant, derrière et profil...
c'est exceptionnel de voir celà sur la même image
j'aime aussi ton traitement noir et blanc
dommage la partie centrale de ton image surexposée, mais je crois que tu devais avoir de sacrés écarts de lumières
ils sont à l'ombre les zèbres non?
amicalemant
Patrice

Amellia (1862) 2005-10-20 10:45

witaj:)))
bardzo podobają mi się Twoje fotografie Tanzani, to to co bardzo lubie, fotografia przyrodnicza, świetne ujęcia, zebra w każdej pozie i odsłonie, bardzo mi się podoba i super że w kolorystyce b&w, pozdrawiam serdecznie:))))

CC2A (2061) 2005-11-11 15:08

Salut Shannon,
j'adoreeee!

THAR (3877) 2005-11-21 13:41

J'aime cette photo parce qu'elle est très bien cadrée et que la position des zèbres est assez exceptionnelle.Cela me fait penser à des bandits en tenue de prisonier que l'on photographie de face, de profil et de dos pour alimenter les fichiers de la police!

kashmir (20) 2005-12-12 10:40

I like the way the black and white of the zebras stand out - the white grass makes it even a more interesting pictures. And it's amasing how the zebras pose to show each side of their bodies. Well done!

ricard (653) 2006-01-23 19:19

I like the diferents positions of the zebras in your picture and also the Black and White work you have made.

This is one of my 12 favorite pictures of South Africa in TE.

Jovillard (0) 2006-03-14 6:11 [Comment]

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srpablillo (225) 2006-04-24 5:03

Hello Shanon,

Great note that completes and improves photograph's high quality. Very nice shot, this all sides of the zebras. White grass is a little "but"... but doesn't matter too much. Great shot

Pablo