kb chandra

Camera: Sony A1

Lens: Sony 400mm f2.8 with Sony TC 1.4X

Aperture: f/4

Shutter speed: 1/2000

ISO: 800

Description: Hippo in green-hued water with reflection

Story from behind the lens: We came across a lonely male hippo in a small pond with green-hued water. I realised this could make an interesting composition with different shades of two contrasting colours, if I can take a shot when the bull comes out for oxygen but remains mostly submerged. The lighting was ideal and I was keen to capture mainly the eyes, ears and nose with the reflection. As they generally do, the hippo raised its head only for a few seconds every time for breathing. Over about 30 minutes, he raised his head 5 to 6 times but never in the same place! We had to anticipate and I had to get ready with my camera settings and lens at the right angle and at a lower level. On one occasion when he surfaced like a submarine, we were parked at the right angle which gave me this shot. When post processing I was happy to see a small water bubble near the ear - a bonus. In hindsight, I can't believe that I was prepared to spend so much time on a safari with an animal mostly submerged! But the effort was worth it.