OMINOUS - Fine Art Photography Press Release
Introduction
In the heart of South Africa’s Sabi Sands, three African wild dogs stand atop a hill, their playful postures contrasting sharply with the gathering storm clouds above. Captured on 28 September at 18:06 with a Sony A1 camera and a 70-200mm lens, this image immortalises a fleeting moment of energy and resilience in one of Africa’s most endangered species. The photograph, titled OMINOUS, reflects both the beauty and fragility of these incredible predators.
Main Story
Ominous transports us to a moment of raw nature, where survival and play coexist under the darkening skies of Sabi Sands. The three wild dogs are captured in a rare moment of calm, their lean figures silhouetted against a sky heavy with the promise of rain. This photograph is more than a portrait of wildlife; it is a narrative of survival, cooperation, and the perpetual tension between life and death in the African wilderness.
Moments earlier, the pack had executed a swift and successful hunt. A young buck, its final desperate escape, led it straight into the jaws of the pack. Within seconds, the wild dogs had brought the animal down, following an instinct refined by generations. The youngest members of the pack, barely old enough to contribute to the hunt, were immediately given access to the kill, a common practice in the highly cooperative social structure of these remarkable creatures. With full bellies, the pups remained at the base of the hill under the watchful eyes of the older dogs, while the three adults ventured up for a moment of respite.
Perched on the hill, these three seemed almost defiant—playful, yet alert, their forms set starkly against the foreboding sky. The air was thick with the promise of rain, yet within the pack, there was a momentary calm. In the world of the African wild dog, time moves swiftly, and each day is filled with risks—territorial disputes, shrinking habitats, and the constant threat of predators like lions. Every successful hunt is a triumph, and every moment of peace is fleeting.
As the storm clouds rolled in, the dogs responded to a signal from below, perhaps the matriarch calling them back. They descended the hill, a subtle reminder of their interconnectedness as a pack. Like the clouds above, their lives were in constant flux—unpredictable and beautiful in equal measure.
Image Description
This evocative black-and-white photograph was taken using the Sony A1 with the FE 70-200mm GM OSS II lens. With the focal length set to 200mm, a shutter speed of 1/1250s, aperture f/2.8, and ISO 6400, Adam Piotr Kossowski successfully captured the striking contrast between the wild dogs and the moody skies. The photograph’s composition brings a sense of isolation to the hill, with the dogs perfectly positioned against the dynamic backdrop, their playful energy frozen in time.
In post-production, subtle adjustments were made to enhance the texture and depth, highlighting the intricate details of the scene—the soft light catching on the dogs’ fur, the rugged terrain, and the ominous clouds framing the horizon. The monochrome palette amplifies the drama of the scene, stripping away distractions and focusing the viewer’s attention on the dogs and the impending storm.
Conclusion
Ominous is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between survival and play, vulnerability and strength, in the natural world. This photograph is not only a celebration of the wild dogs’ beauty but also a call to recognise the dangers they face as their habitats shrink. By preserving these moments through fine art photography, Adam Piotr Kossowski offers viewers a chance to reflect on the interconnectedness of life in the wild. Explore this and other fine art prints on his website or contact him for exclusive limited editions.
Acknowledgments and Credits
Press and Media Use
This content is available for press and media use. Please ensure to credit the photographer, Adam Piotr Kossowski, and include a link back to the original source at adamkossowski.com. For further information, interview requests, high-resolution images, or additional media enquiries, please contact Adam at apk@adamkossowski.com.
About Adam Piotr Kossowski
Adam Piotr Kossowski is an original fine art photographer specialising in wildlife, landscapes, and seascapes. His evocative imagery captures the beauty and complexity of nature. Adam’s work has been featured in various international publications and can be recognised for its emotional depth and narrative quality. Through his lens, Adam brings viewers closer to the raw power and fragility of the natural world. To explore more of his work, visit Adamkossowski.com.
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