Lion Cub with Attitude

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 17, 2011159 views8 comments

I have been hectically busy so apologies for a bit of silence on the forum...

I am off to the Kruger National Park for 8 days on Friday for some much-needed R&R with my wife and baby daughter so excuse the low activity from me for a little while longer.

Here's a post in the meantime...captured in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve early in 2010. This was my first foray with a loaned Nikon kit, and having made the transition officially 2 weeks ago I am eager to take my D3s into the field next week.

This cub had loads of attitude, and was the only cub in the litter. The pride was resting in a sandy riverbed but the young one had too much energy.

Techs:
Nikon D3s with Nikkor 200-400mm f4 VR @ 250mm
f4.0 @ 1/500 SS @ ISO-1250

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 17, 2011 at 9:34 PM

Incredible detail and the look on the cubs face is priceless. Do wish for a touch more DOF but lighting was clearly an issue.

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on August 17, 2011 at 9:39 PM

Awesome image! I love how the cub is looking beside you instead of straight at you, it's nice when it looks like he almost doesn't know you are there. He has a really cute pose! There is some great detail in his fur, and I really like the DOF you chose. It's nice to have that catchlight in his eyes. Great comp, too!

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 18, 2011 at 5:26 PM

Super cute cub Morkel

Love those bright eyes, and your perspective, Sweet Photo!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Joe James on August 18, 2011 at 9:29 PM

Lovely image Morkel! I like the shallow DOF as I think it really brings out the cub's face and eyes. Love the inquisitive yet slightly nervous expression on the little face. Well done.

Registered on November 20, 2009, 89 Posts, 808 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on August 18, 2011 at 10:36 PM

Wow this is fantastic, Morkel. I like the pose from the cub and your composition is perfect. Excellent clarity here and perfectly processed.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 19, 2011 at 10:29 AM

Spot on exposure and I like the depth of field control. The cub looks great and the eye and facial detail enhance the cuteness factor! Ideally, to my eye, the stick would be less of an element, particularly because it creates lines running out of the frame, somewhat distracting the eye. But, that said it is also implied that maybe this cub is guarding or playing with the stick.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on August 30, 2011 at 3:41 AM

Thanks very much for your kind comments everyone!!

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

Comment posted by Neal Cooper on September 3, 2011 at 9:42 AM

Super cute image Morkel. He looks like a lion with attitude. Image is sharp and I like the composition. The branch distracts a bit, but overall a nice image.

Registered on June 3, 2009, 144 Posts, 306 Comments