Among the towering legs of the herd, a very young elephant calf keeps close to its mother. I framed the photograph low and tight, so it is all legs and skin: the massive, deeply creased limbs of the adults and, between them, the small, careful steps of the calf.
Elephant calves are born weighing around 100 kilograms and are on their feet within hours, but they stay close to their mothers for years. The whole family helps raise them. Aunts, sisters and older cousins guide the calf, shade it from the sun and form a wall of legs around it when danger is near.
Black and white was the obvious choice. It brings out the texture of the skin, the folds and cracks and dust, and turns the scene into a study of scale, protection and family. You do not need to see the faces to understand what is happening.
Printed large, it is a quiet, powerful image for a living room, study or office, and a meaningful gift for a new parent, a family or anyone who loves elephants.
THE PRINT
Archival pigment print (giclée) on museum-grade fine art paper. Limited edition of 30. Hand-signed and numbered by John Wiseman and issued with a signed certificate of authenticity.
SIZE
Image size 102 x 68 cm (40 x 27 in). Other sizes are available. Please enquire.
DELIVERY AND FRAMING
Made to order in Sydney, Australia. Shipped unframed, rolled in a protective tube. Custom framing in natural timber, black or white can be added through Bluethumb.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Wiseman is an award-winning Australian wildlife and nature photographer with more than 25 years in the field, photographing across six continents. Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards. Represented by IRID Gallery, Melbourne and Sydney.