Wildebeest Sunset
This wildebeest, or Godfrey the gnu as we named him, was more interested in keeping an eye on us than watching the magnificent sunset going on behind him. He might also, of course, have been keeping a wary eye on a couple of lions that were lazing in the evening sun not far from us.
However, he was an obliging fellow; he stood still as the sun went down behind him and it wasn’t until the sun disappeared from our view that he seemed to shrug and wander off along the ridge.
Taken in the Masai Mara, Kenya.
Canon EOS 3 with Canon 300mm f2.8L lens and x2 extender using Fuji Provia transparency fim. Scanned with a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED scanner.
Number of views as on 10 November 2009 – 820
Wildebeest Sunset belongs to the following groups:
! 100% !, 300+ Go Long!, All Animals Great And Small., Animals of Africa - Best of the Best, Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Film Photography, For the love of Canon - 2 Images per day with type of Canon camera used, Horizons, Indigenous to East & Southern Africa, Live, Love, Dream: , Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, Nature's Wonders, Outsiders, Shameless Self-Promotion, Silhouette, Sunrise, Sunset, THE 500 TO 5000 VIEWINGS GROUP, The true beauty, Tropical Art, Who are YOU to Judge?, Wild Nature Photography & Writing and Your Magic Place (PLACES only!!) Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints and Mounted Prints

clmustin
Fantastic shot! This what you call being in the right place at the right time.
David Clarke replied
Yes, we were lucky, and the wildebeest cooperative! Thanks, clmustin:)
corinna wagner
osborne …!
very good! ;-)
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Corinna! – osborne????
WendyJC
very nice David :)
love the colour and mood!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Wendy:)
Kelly Robinson
“
“
David Clarke replied
Wow, thanks, Kelly, I’m delighted!!
gato
awesome!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Gato!
Olga Zvereva
Great shot, David! Love the sun and special wildebeest on it.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Olga:)
joyousmoon
Congratulations on your feature! Beautiful!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Pamela:)
Steve Bullock
Awesome work..
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Steve!
Jeanne Horak-D...
One of the best wildlife shots I have seen – love it!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Jeanne, you’ve made my day!
JUSTART
wonderful
congrats on feature !
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Justart:)
Renee Dawson
This is a great image David. Awesome timing! :)
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Renee, I remember it being an amazing end to an amazing day!
corinna wagner
... in spain there are sometimes big advertising posters for sherry called osborne.
this image reminds me a little bit on it … it is a compliment. i like it a lot ! ;-)
David Clarke replied
Thanks for the explanation, Corinna, I’ve never seen that advert. I’m very pleased you liked the shot!
kathy s gillen...
excellent capture David
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Kathy :))
AuntieBarbie
What an awesome silhoutted shot.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, AuntieBarbie!
julayneluu
Excellent capture David
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Julayne:)
Beve Brown-Clark
OMG…fabulous silhouette!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Beve:)
StarKatz
Beautiful capture!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Karen:))
LYNETTE EVANS
Wow….fabulous capture.
David Clarke replied
Thank you, Lyn:))
Tamara Cornell
just super! well done :)
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Tamara! You have some great work in your portfolio:)
simonesphotos
Wow David this is incredible!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Simone:)
Iris Greenwell
Wow, Stunning!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Iris!
PamelaJoPhoto
Very beautiful shot…. Perfect time to have a camera on hand
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Pam:)
John Kowalski
Fantastic photograph David!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, John!
i l d i l a z...
Gorgeous capture David!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Ildi:)
RubyMae
Stunning capture!!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Ruby:)
Sharon Mau
I love your wonderful story David, it is a beautiful image!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Sharon:))
Lesley Williamson
What a great shot, well done!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Lesley!
Béla Török
Brilliant capture, David!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Béla!
kalaryder
An amazing and stunning shot.
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Kala, much appreciated:)
Svetlana Sewell
Gorgeous!
David Clarke replied
Thank you, Svetlana! :))
skyhorse
Totally Awesome !!!!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Skyhorse!
sharon wingard
now I like this shot well done
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Sharon:))
Dentanarts
An excellent image… interesting silhouette work! o(~_O)o
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Dentan!
parmi
Incredible!! What a fantastic shot, the light and blend of colour is out of this world!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Parmi, and thanks too for the fav!
Garth Smith
Magnificent photo David
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Garth!
Ron Wilson
unreal david
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Ron!
June Ferrol
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, June:)
judygal
Awsome capture.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Judy:))
Georgie Hart
What a champion Godfrey is. Magnificent.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, George!
Rosy Kueng
Fantastc Dave! Woow what a shot…one to die for :))
Congratulations on being featured!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Rosy. It was a very special moment to see this fellow silhouetted like this!
Lance Leopold
Bravo,David,shots like this don’t come along everyday,magnificent!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Lance!
ElYPares
Wonderful photograph. I could see it used as an advertisement. Well done.
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Ely – I’d love someone to buy it for use as an advert!!
Stephanie Cou...
SUCH a cool shot!!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Stephanie:))
BarbaraManis
Awesome capture!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Barbara:))
luanda
It takes my breath away! INSTANT FAV & Congrats on your feature! DANIELA
David Clarke replied
Daniela, thanks so much for your lovely comment, and for the fav:)) David
Anthony Caffery
Fantastic capture!, Great sunset!, Nice silhouette!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Anthony!
Andrew Murrell
David this is just amazing!!!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Andrew, much appreciated!
Olitto
CONGRATULATIONS David!! 2nd Place in the East & Southern African Sunrise/Sunset Photography Challenge.
David Clarke replied
Thanks, Olitto – having trouble catching up today!!
Kymbo
Absolutely stunning David. Your work is truely amazing.
David Clarke replied
Thanks you for your kind words, Kymbo, much appreciated:))
John Robb
Wonderful capture – I love that hint of tone in the sky as well.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, John, very much appreciated.
Caterpillar
Perfectly done!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Caterpillar:))
SNAPPYDAVE
what an amazing image David
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Dave!
SandraRos
The guest host that featured your work this week was Olitto
LINK
David Clarke replied
Wow, thanks Sandra, I’m absolutely delighted!!
David Hibberd
So wonderful great take
Davo
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Davo!
Nature's Realm
love this picture…well done. – Dennis
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Dennis.
Elana Bailey
Wow. Incredible capture. Well done. An instant fave.
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Elana!
zumi
Wonderful catch!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Zumi!
karen peacock
Wow, this is a fantastic shot! Congrats!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Karen, much appreciated!
Vanessa Barklay
A perfect image David, this is something I would love as an art print, it looks really incredible, top work mate!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Vanessa, you’re very kind! Thanks too for the fav:)) I’ve got a whole series of these with the sun setting until finally there’s just the wildebeest. I keep meaning to scan them all and combine them; I think they’d make an interesting montage.
Marion Cullen
Absolutely magnificant photography. The tones in the sky are so rich and sumptious and the Wildebeest silhouette is just perfectly placed against that stunning backdrop.
One of the best I have seen here
David Clarke replied
Wow, thank you so much for your lovely comments, Marion! I’m delighted you like this shot. Thanks too for the fav!!
kevsimages
the one shot everyone wants to capture …perfect
David Clarke replied
Thanks for your great comment, Kev! Looking forward to seeing the latest dragonflies!!
brian pendrey
stunning work
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Brian.
Dennis Gay
Ciao DAVID!
Simple, powerful, eye catching photography displaying a good strong colour contrast, minimalism and maximum use of negative space.
Print this one big, mount, matt and frame it and hang it on a prominent wall with pride. Then invite all your family and friends over for dinner and let them drool about it.
Exciting and incredibly enjoyable viewing my man!
GB
Dennis
PS: If there was no Gnu in the shot then the old saying, “No Gnus is good Gnus.” would be totally wrong! 8-)
David Clarke replied
Dennis, thanks so much for your wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated! I’m delighted you liked this shot – great gnus for me!!!
James Corley
Fantastic silhouette!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, James, and thanks too for the fav!
PhotosEcosse
Astounding shot, and well done on the feature !
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Barbara, and thanks too for the fav!!
ralph arce
Awesome image. Kinda reminds me of The Lion King. Cheers! :D
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Raphael!!
donnz
Great shot
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, donnz!
Veikko Suikkanen
Really fantastic capture David! Magnificent silhouette!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Veikko!
Tara Turner
Stunning!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Tara:))
John44
David..
David…..............this is ‘class’ with a capital C!
Man oh man , infact it it belongs to my top 50 most stunning shots I have seen on RB! This is a cover photo for the National Geographic magazine
You lucky man ( and skilled man..) to be able to come home with a giant like this
On the scale : 0 to 10 .. its a 12! Chapeau Signore
John
David Clarke replied
John, my friend, you’re a real gentleman!! Thanks so much for your wonderful comments, I’m delighted that you liked this shot. Ti ringrazio moltissimo!!
Ann Van Breemen
Absolutely stunning. You have been to my favourite of all places on my wish list. So lucky.:)
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Ann. It’s a truly wonderful place – I hope your wish list comes true for you; you’ll love it! Thanks for the fav:))
Helene Kippert
Amazing shot!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Helene, and thank too for the fav!! :))
John Spies
Fantastic shot David, how did you get the sun to set at just the right time?
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, John! I had a contract with the wildebeest!!:))
Lois Bryan
ooooooooo wow … hushed reverence going on over here … what an amazing, amazing image … timing … professional execution … everything … all wrapped up in a bow!!!!! Dear boy .. this is outstanding!!!!!!!!!!
David Clarke replied
Lois, thanks so much for your lovely comments and for the fav! You’ve brought a big smile to my face on a wet and dull morning in the UK (only here for two days, then back to sunny Italia!!). I’m delighted you like this shot:))
eran gilad
NICE!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Eran!
Azzurra
beautiful work ♥♥♥
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Azzurra
seductress
Agree with all of the above! :)
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Seductress, and thanks too for the fav!!
nadine henley
fantastic capture!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Nadine!!
terryt
What a Marvelous find!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Terry, I appreciate it. Thanks too for the fav!!
Margot Kiesskalt
An absolute classic – stunning!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Margot, I’m delighted you liked it!!
Robert Elliott
Brilliant
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Robert! and thank too for the fav!!
Ursula Rodgers
Another brilliant shot!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Ursula!! Thanks too for the fav!!
Sharon Perrett
Another stunner, beautiful image
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Sharon, and thank too for the fav!!
Barbara Corvino
What a spectacle! Beautiful shot.
Ciao. Barbara
David Clarke replied
Grazie mille, Barbara!!
ChrisCoombes
This is fantastic David!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Chris! and thanks too for the fav!!
roostalu
Superb composition!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Urmas, and thanks too for the fav:))
Gene Praag
What can I say that hasn’t already been said…..Perfect!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Geno, much appreciated!!
laureenr
Brilliant capture David. Absolutely perfect.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Laureen:))
whalegeek
David, this is lovely. It’s funny how a sunset is so glorious to humans while it is the harbinger of a long night to come for animals on the savanna. Excellent work and well deserving of various Features.
David Clarke replied
You’re absolutely right, whalegeek – I wouldn’t have fancied being around there without the safety of a vehicle! Many thanks for your comments:))
Eugenio
:)) WOW !! Wonderful !!!
Congrats on feature !!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Eugenio!!
Janet Fikar
Wow! An amazing shot, excellent timing and perfect exposure.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Janet:))
Christophe Testi
Absolutely stunning!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Christophe, much appreciated!! Thanks too for the fav!!
David Lewins LRPS
Superb photography and exposure, you have some wonderful images within your gallery.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, David, your comments are much appreciated. Your gallery is pretty impressive too – and congratulations on the blogsite – it prompts me to get moving again with mine!!
Daniel J. McCa...
Too cool! Brilliant capture, David!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Daniel!!
BlaizerB
a favourite no question – cheers
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, BlaizerB!! Thanks too for the fav!!
Anne-Marie Bok...
Wow David, this is really amazing shot! You (or the wildebeest) was on the right spot at the right time….
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Anne-Marie! I had to move the vehicle a little to line it all up, but really it was very lucky to be there. We were actually looking at a couple of lions when we saw the sunset scene developing. Thanks too for the fav!
rubyjo
oh wow- gorgeous!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, rubyjo!!
BigD
Perfect David
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, David, and thanks too for the fav!
Richard George
Perfect timing…great composition..congratulations!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Richard, much appreciated! Thanks too for the fav!!
Teodorac
Thank you very much David!
This is sensational !! Wow !!
Greetings! Teodora
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Teodora, much appreciated!
Lynne Haselden
Oh VERY COOL CAPTURE! Godfrey the magnificent!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Lynne!! He was quite a fella!!
TaniaLosada
Love this! Amazing scene!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Tania:))
trueblvr
amazing shot
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Di!
elasita
excellent shot!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Ela-Sita!
Jonathan Carre
Beautiful. Great composition and a very accommodating subject.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Jonathan. He was the perfect model! Thanks too for the fav!
Nick McGuire
Nice Picture taken!!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Nick!!
Judy Will
Top shot!!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Judy, and thanks too for the fav!!
Trish Woodford
What a fantastic image, great spotting and timing :))
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Trish!
Elaine Li
perfect moment!
David Clarke replied
Thanks, Elaine!
Kieran O'Connor
Wow David, what a moment! Awesome.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Kieran!! Thanks too for the fav!!
nishagandhi
wow
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Nisha!
Ken McElroy
Congratulations!
Your image above was featured in our new group;
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Ken, I’m delighted with the honour. Great idea for a group, should be very popular!
Ken McElroy
Thats; 300+ Go Long! (above feature – don’t know where the group name got off to?)
Martin Smart
An amazing moment perfectly captured. Well done David!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Martin!
Nick Hunt
fantastic, worthy of all the awards. Well done to take the big lens so far, worth it for all of us!
David Clarke replied
Thanks, Nick, much appreciated. The big lens was bought for the trip and I’ve never regretted the expenditure; it’s a wonderful bit of kit. Btw, for your sale announcement, you need to put a ! at either end of the ref.
Antanas
lovely work
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Antanas!! and thanks to for the fav!! Congrats on the 400K!!!!
shawie
Nat Geo quality photograph!! Great fabulous job on this!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Shawie, for your lovely comment:))
enchantedImages
Oh wow, David!
What a capture…..and what a moment that must have been to witness it.
Magical!
– Bobbi
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Bobbi! It really was a magical moment!! Thanks too for the fav:))
shakey
Wow David,brilliant image.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Shakey!! and thanks too for the fav!!
Rick & Deb Larson
WOW…what an AWESOME capture!!! (Just love how your angle was just right in order for you to capture silhouette within the setting sun, well done!!). Take Care ~ Rick & Deb ~ :)
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Rick & Deb!! I had to get the driver to move the jeep and hope firstly the wildebeest wouldn’t hightail it and secondly that he would remain there as the sun set. I was in luck – he stayed for the duration!! Thanks also for the fav!!
Paul Thompson ...
Fantastic work, very creative
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Paul, thanks for stopping by.
Shoaib .
another very awesome image
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Shoaib!!
AbbyN
Stunning capture!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Abby:))
melbourneguy75
Beautiful image David :)
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, David! – great portfolio you have there!!
Lisawv
Terrific capture.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Lisa:))
JonRussell
Beautiful capture!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Jon!
Lisa Roberts
Perfect – I long for a shot like this!
Lisa x
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Lisa, I guess I was in the right place at the right time!
DigitalMunkey
With this photograph you have provided us with a direct link with our deepest roots. I think this image pulls at us on a deeper, subconscious level.
I’m sure you are familiar with Donald Johanson and his discovery of Lucy in the early 70s in the Rift Valley. Lucy proved beyond doubt that Africa is the cradle of humanity.
When I take my time with your photograph I am seeing and experiencing a moment and set of circumstances that must have been witnessed by our earliest ancestors countless times through the millennia.
I am left to delight in the fact that your photograph provides me with a direct link to a shared experience that is timeless and ancient. What more could a photographer hope to give to the observer than what you have provided here.
Ill return often to make the connection with my ancestors and to explore the possibilities that your outstanding photographs offer in abundance.
Thanks David
Peter
David Clarke replied
Peter, I am deeply moved and humbled by your comments. That a photographer with your talent should be so impressed by one of my images is something I shall treasure.
The connection with ancient man is felt so strongly in this area of Kenya; it’s all around in the landscape, with the animals and with the still strong tribal customs, a feeling that I have not experienced elsewhere in the world.
Thank you so much, Peter
David
Steve Bullock
Wow.. just perfect. Would love for you to add it to the Animals of Africa group!
David Clarke replied
Many thanks Steve! and thanks for the fav. I must have submitted this shot to the group about the same time you added this comment!!
Steve Bullock
David Clarke replied
Steve, thanks very much, I’m delighted to be among those featured in this great new group:)
Olitto
Goodness….there are soooo many comments on this pic. CONGRATULATIONS on the feature in the Animals of Africa group David. Very much deserved!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Olitto – I’m delighted that this fella attracts so much attention and of course delighted with the feature.
RedRose1
Fantastic shot!!! Very creative :))
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, RedRose!! And thanks too for the fav!!
josiem
stunning!!!!!
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Josie!
LavenderMoon
Perfectly done…. immaculate work!
David Clarke replied
Thank you so much, Robyn, and thank you too for the fav:))
kwbeall
Hi David,
Lots of interest here; I like that the wildebeest is off-center, while the setting sun in centered.
Best,
Karen
David Clarke replied
Thanks so much, Karen, he was a very obliging fellow!!
David Friederich
Very powerful and effective shot, Dave. This one would make a great poster.
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, David. That’s a good idea – I’ll add ‘poster’ to the list – thanks.
Meeli Sonn
Gorgeous. I love it.
David Clarke replied
Thanks very much, Meeli:))
Paulo van Breugel
Excellent timing and framing… beautiful
David Clarke replied
Many thanks, Paolo.
Rachael Talibart 25 days ago
priceless – I would give my eye teeth for a shot like this (well, maybe…) ;o)
David Clarke replied 25 days ago
Many thanks, Rachael. There were a couple of lions hanging around when I took it who might have been interested in eye teeth too – among other things! Btw, great portfolio you have there :))
Jo McGowan 21 days ago
Super shot! It oozes of Africa – Well Done!
David Clarke replied 21 days ago
Many thanks, Jo:)) Thanks very much for the fav! You have a great portfolio, I look forward to seeing more!