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My Waterhole! (PAW 20/52)
My Waterhole! (PAW 20/52)
HarveyG


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX IF HSM for Nikon
Location: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, NW, South Africa
Aperture: 4.0
ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/5000
Galleries: Animals, Water
Date Uploaded: May 22, 2013

Viewed: 432
Comments: 5
Favorites: 0

 Henry the Hippo displaying his usual anti-social behaviour. He's a card. Won't let any other animals near his dam (Ratlhogo Dam and Hide, Pilanesberg NR, North West Province). Those teeth are 8"+ long and razor sharp. The Hippopotamus is Africa's biggest killer of man, not even the crocodile comes close. Lions are a very distant 3rd place. I think the tame mosquito is actually the largest killer (Malaria) but it's not classified as dangerous game!

The most dramatic shots of the Hippo's territorial display are from head on, open mouth side, displaying all the teeth and oral cavity right back to the throat. I still don't have such a shot despite shooting in parks since '83. I'm off to the Kruger Natl. Park for another attempt in a few weeks time. This time to a specific location that might give me "the shot". Wish me luck :)

Stay away from African bush waterholes, unless you have scanned/observed for a long time and you are 100% certain there are no Hippo's and no Croc's present. These things can run fast on land and will snuff you out in a second...on water even faster.

Any comment or critique; complimentary or critical are welcome and appreciated. Questions about gear, technique etc. also welcome.

This image is © copyrighted 2013 by Harvey Grohmann. Duplication, publication, copying is strictly forbidden and protected by law. To obtain pricing and consent contact me via Photocommission.com

for Photograph a Week 2013

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AuthorThread
 06/11/2013 07:41:55 PM
Great capture of that phenomenal gape with the industrial grade teeth! I'll definitely stay away from African waterholes - I don't even want to go near some Australian ones. (We have the crocs, thank God we don't have the hippos!)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2013 10:51:17 PM
Wow, that's an ugly creature. Great capture for showing off the teeth, Harvey. I'm convinced. Thanks for all the interesting information, too. I'll stay away :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2013 04:22:55 PM
Remarkable creature. Can't imagine what it's like to see one in person. Looks like it could enhale anything within reach.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2013 02:58:12 PM
Scary stuff, and I promise to stay away from it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/26/2013 12:29:15 PM
Hi! I love that your photos usually come with a story. Thank you so much for sharing. Those are some impressive teeth and I can certainly see that jaw is wide enough to get a person snapped up in there. It seems like a simple picture, I have to imagine it was harder to actually capture than anything else (you must have crazy amounts of patience), so I can't offer much for a critique.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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