Submitter's name:	Brian Swale
Title:	Floppy's ears.
Gear used:	OM-4Ti + Zuiko macro 50/3.5
Diaphragm:	f/8
Shutter speed:	1/125 ?
Film used:	Fuji Superia Reala 100 asa print film.
Technical information:	Camera held in one hand while most of the other was used to encourage the pet to keep still - and the thumb used to steady the front of the lens.. Scanned from film with an HP PhotoSmart scanner. Some cloning and unsharp mask with Adobe PhotoDeluxe..
Subject information:	We have a 10+ years old wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) who has been a captive since she was caught by our cat when about 4 weeks old. She is not just a captive, but is also very dear and affectionate pet. In 10 years it is possible to get to know an animal quite well. Some of you have seen her on your screens before. She is perhaps at an age equivalent to 80+ years old in humans, and is somewhat frail now. These rabbits have the most amazing ears. They act as temperature radiators. They enable very sensitive hearing. And they can convey an amazing range of emotions, as they are twisted, opened, closed, folded and entwined with each other. Here they are in a neutral position, neatly side by side, looking oh-so- symmetrical. I had to take her outside in the full sun to get enough light, and she was somewhat upset by being plonked down on black velvet while her friend did stupid things with a big black eye. But she coped just fine.
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Comment left by: Bernard Frangoulis (no e-mail specified)

I like the angle of view and the composition!

Comment left by: Chris Barker (no e-mail specified)

A heart-warming story, Brian. Thanks.

Comment left by: Fernando Gonzalez Gentile (no e-mail specified)

One must know not only behaviour but history as well, when portraying animals. I knew that I managed to make the portrait of my mulita,because it was an old specimen, and had survived from attacks too [if you look at his right ear's scuff (sp?)] Should I include human beings in my comment?

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