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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Thirty Two: On Safari -- expressing the essence of nature > Giraffe geometry, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, 2006
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08-JAN-2006

Giraffe geometry, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, 2006

I waited for this pair of Thornicroft's giraffe to create a triangle for me, which I've placed within a square frame. The result is natural geometry. The Thornicroft giraffe is only found in the Luangwa Valley. Its unique markings differentiate it from giraffes found in other parts of Africa. The focal point of this image is, of course, the powerful diagonal created by the immense neck of the giraffe in the foreground. Diagonals express power and energy, an appropriate metaphor for this, the tallest mammal on earth.

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Phil Douglis26-Jan-2006 01:21
And that, Carol, is the purpose of the image -- to stress the long neck of the giraffe, which is being stretched to great lengths here. A diagonal is the perfect role for such a neck, which gives us a geometric salute in the bargain.
Carol E Sandgren25-Jan-2006 23:57
The diagonal angle certainly accentuates this giraffe's main physical feature...LONG neck and so very tall. I also like the triangle here.
Phil Douglis25-Jan-2006 05:45
Thank you, Guest, for pointing out the bird on the neck of the giraffe. I saw it immediately. Birds feed on the bodies of larger animals in Africa -- they cherish the tiny insects they find on the skin. In effect, they are constantly grooming their hosts. I guess that's why they are tolerated.
Phil Douglis25-Jan-2006 05:42
Thanks, Alister -- the giraffes made the composition for me, but I had to recognize it.
Guest 25-Jan-2006 03:21
Perhaps I know nothing about giraffes but I think there is a bird perched on the neck of the giraffe in the foreground. Just in case no one has noticed...

Beautiful picture, by the way.
alibenn25-Jan-2006 01:53
Great compostion.....
Phil Douglis24-Jan-2006 23:15
Yes, I also liked the horizontal giraffe on worldisround. (http://www.worldisround.com/articles/271122/photo48.html ) It's a good travel shot in technical and aesthetic terms, but does not carry the potential depth of expressive meaning that this does.
monique jansen24-Jan-2006 14:48
Like the diagonals, but I also liked your horizontal giraffe on worldisround
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