Cute picture. I am only one guy, but what gives this photo the altyfc signature? We all love animals and they make for cute photos. Certainly you have other frames of this scene? and certainly you are beyond snapshots.
It is a tricky question, it may be a question for a smarter man than me. I think that we always need put our own views in our photos. A signature, of sorts, so that when the viewer sees it, they immediately say "altfyc" took that photo" he knows because of the way it was lit, or the particular angle, or the way you decided to handle the depth of field, or whatever.
The "close encounter" is a good photo. There is the cute elephant near the mandatory Range Rover (safari Vehicle), The question is. Would it be a better photo if YOU explored it more? I think anyone that stumbled on this scene would have taken the same photo. A wise man that I share my work with says to me, "Craig you have a green photo", meaning the photo is well lit and well, well exposed, and in focus, or whatever, but who cares? it is still a dull photo.
That may or may not make sense. Let me know your thoughts.
A different angle is my first thought. Were you in a car or walking? Did you have a long or wide lens? How receptive was the critter to having his photo taken? What would the scene look like if you were too stand on the roof of the Range Rover. Personally, my biggest photo flaw is: not "exploring" the shot from all angles etc.
Please tell me you are joking. I was in a vehicle - getting out of it would not only have been strictly against the rules of the National Park I was in, but would also have been putting my life in danger. The people in the vehicle, despite being in the vehicle, were actually in quite serious danger as it was. This elephant was masting, which means it's behaviour was unpredictable and it could have charged at any time. Our ranger (and these rangers are extremely experienced and knowledgable) was actually quite worried about their welfare.
You see how the glands near the elephant's eye show wet trails? That is a sign that the elephant is masting and its behaviour can be unpredictable. It is not unusual for a masting elephant to charge. Also this wasn't the only elephant about - there was a herd nearby.