Thursday, September 20, 2012

Kudu Bull

This kudu bull was photographed on a recent trip to South Africa.  The kudu is a large animal with unique, spiraling horns.  We were not in a park, and this wasn't a photo safari, so we were fortunate to get within camera range.  On most days there were not many opportunities to photograph animals except at a distance.  The weather was reliable with clear and bright skies every day.  From a photographic standpoint, however, there is precious little time at dawn and dusk when the light is soft.
This photo was taken in the middle of the day with the harsh sun high overhead.  But the bull had just stepped clear of the brush and much of the surrounding area is nicely out of focus.  The head and horns stand out quite well.
400mm lens, 1/1600 second at f/5.6, ISO 250.