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

Oblivious? South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, 2006

Six grazing female impala pay no heed to this lumbering elephant that seems ready to crash their breakfast. In spite of appearances, impala and elephants seem to coexist peacefully here. Layers are work in this image as well. I tried to relate the grazing Impala in the foreground to the aggressive elephant behind them – only a line of brown grass separates them and the colors stand in sharp contrast as well. Behind the elephant, I’ve included a field of boulders, which, together with impala, provide vital contrast in scale.

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Phil Douglis26-May-2008 22:43
Thanks, Karen, for these thoughts. You are right -- a lion is less likely to grab one of these impala is an elephant is standing next to them. Such is the nature of the African bush. Elephants and impala are grazing animals and seem to share the wealth with minimal conflict.
Karen Moen26-May-2008 22:32
The rich green against the reddish browns makes a beautiful contrast. The gazelles must know there is no danger nearby as they all have their heads down at the same time. I think the elephant is keeping watch for any danger. Voted.
Phil Douglis26-Jan-2006 06:21
Grant -- I agree wholeheartedly. Awe is the operative word when it comes to appreciating the elephant.
John -- a nice twist. The threat becomes the guard.
John Reed 26-Jan-2006 04:32
Looks like the Elephant is guarding the Gazelles? Nice perspective!
Grant Stewart 26-Jan-2006 03:07
Re. the use of "awesome", how true Phil, although being English, and definitely not a teenager, I meant the word in it's most literal sense. I do think elephants are awesome, not just in size but also as a link to a evolutionary past. Awe-inspiring, also.
Phil Douglis25-Jan-2006 18:15
The word "awesome" has become a cliche, largely because of teenagers. However in this case, that word is certainly appropriate. An aggressive elephant tends to inspire awe.
Grant Stewart 25-Jan-2006 11:34
Peaceful graceful animals in the foreground, and pure power in the background. That elephant is awesome.
Phil Douglis24-Jan-2006 23:18
Thanks, Dandan and Mo for your succinct summaries of the meaning of this image. There will be peace here -- elephants do not bother impala. And this elephant is just posturing -- the impala don't even bother to look up. They have seen it all before and know that nothing will happen.
monique jansen24-Jan-2006 14:50
Interaction yet no interaction
Guest 24-Jan-2006 14:40
Harmony and peace!
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