Comments on: More On Creating A Photograph With Emotional Impact

By: Rick Sammon

Rick Sammon — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:06:21 +0000

I was in a Jeep not too far from the lions. I actually wanted to get closer, but the driver was not allowed off the road – which I respect.

Rick

By: Bernie

Bernie — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:10:40 +0000

It certainly has impact and it is an emotional one. It also begs the question, where were you at the time of the shoot? Looks pretty close to some hungry lions to me.

By: Buddy Eleazer

Buddy Eleazer — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:56:29 +0000

OK, I like what you are saying on the circle of life. I have ’struggled’ with the value of some of my shots from safari of animals on a kill (red chins of lions, crocs scavenging a cape buffalo kill, etc.). At http://www.Chobesafari.com I have chosen to focus on images with drama, but not gore and avoiding the full ‘circle of life’ unless a) composition quality was really there and/or b) it is needed to tell the story. While journalisticly (sp) interesting, for me, your lions on the elie probably fit only when ‘telling the story’.

I cannot find the Judy Host article you reference. Can you provide a link?

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:15:39 +0000

Yes, it is gross, but like you say – it’s a reality that tells the story. It’s the story of life, death, survival all wrapped in one. I occasionally have the opportunity to see a caribou carcass being fed on by wolves in Denali National Park. Some of the tourists in my groups are grossed out and actually upset that they had to witness such a thing, but most understand that it’s how the wolves survive, and feel privileged to have witnessed such a sight. Thanks for the photo.

By: Dan Milham

Dan Milham — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:10:34 +0000

The impact is the thing we take photographs to achieve. Judy and you are absolutely correct. The reaction will vary greatly but without it your photograph is just shapes on a space.