On the lookout

Gallery: WildlifePosted May 12, 2011167 views8 comments

Had been watching this Cheetah mother stalk a heard of Impala for almost an hour, getting within meters of the herd, when something spooked them and they were off in a shot. Then, shortly after that, there were two cries and a pair of cubs popped up, having been concealed in the tall grass. As they made their way over, mum decided to take stock and view from the mound, giving excellent observation and allowed time for the cubs to join her.

I wanted a different feel, hence the change in colour, plus, I quite like the quirky look back apposed to the expected/predictable look forward, although I have both versions.

Taken in the Mara, mid morning.

Steve
MKIII 500f/4 1/2500sec f/4 ISO400 FF/HH (Had left the ISO high for the chase)

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Harshad Barve on May 12, 2011 at 9:29 AM

Love the pose and back ground here , but you know my thoughts on B & W

Registered on July 25, 2010, 39 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on May 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM

Indeed I do Harshad.

However 'a change is as good as a rest' they say...

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Ellen deBoer on May 12, 2011 at 5:04 PM

Very beautiful photo, Steve! I love the B&W here! And indeed the look back is something different.

Registered on March 16, 2006, 419 Posts, 2076 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on May 13, 2011 at 12:17 AM

I can only agree with Harshad on this B&W is useful in some situations but not I feel here. The look back is hardly unusual and of course it would be much improved with more separation between head and body. The large version looks a bit grainy is this deliberate?

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on May 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM

This is a beautiful shot Steve, and the Cheetah looks superb on that mound with the lighter background. Love the B&W.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on May 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM

'Classic' Steve. I like the B&W, but have a feeling I would prefer the color version. The look back pose is nice, but the downside of it is that the face is in the shade. For that reason I am really curious how a horizontal wider frame, with the cat looking forward, would look like.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy Aron on May 17, 2011 at 12:47 PM

I like this B&W. Wonder if it might be improved by some brightening to highlight the gorgeous texture of the fur.

lucy.

Registered on February 25, 2011, 189 Posts, 1160 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on May 17, 2011 at 4:26 PM

the shape of the cheetah really lends itself to the monochrome treatment, Steve...and you know MY thoughts on B&W as well, so I dig this

nice tonal treatment and crisp sharp as per usual. I also like the darker band in the BG which falls into rule-of-thirds by no coincidence I'm sure

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments