Cheetah

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 22, 2011358 views14 comments

One of three Cheetahs brothers, this one was alert to the fact there was a a possible meal available whilst the other two lounged about on the termite mound. Shortly after this was taken the Cheetah took down a 2-3 day old Impala, only then to drag it back some 400m to share it with it's brothers. Within 15 minutes all that was left of the impala was a front leg bone!!!

The grey in the BKG is the termite mound, some may not like the slight white patchy parts, however I have left them in to add a little interest to it, rather than s solid colour.

Steve
Subject: Cheetah face, close-up (Acinonyx jubatus)
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon MKIV
Lens: 500f/4 + 1.4x - HH
Exposure: 1/200s at f/9 ISO200 +1/3 stop compensation
Crop: Slight crop (original capture horizontal)

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on December 22, 2011 at 11:16 AM

I really like this, Steve. The light in the eyes is fabulous. I don't mind the white patches in the background. To be honest, I initially thought it was steam coming from the cheetah's mouth when I saw the thumb.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Cam Held on December 22, 2011 at 11:20 AM

Beautiful photo Steve! I agree with Max that the catchlight in the eyes is great! The fur detail is spectacular too. And the background doesn't bother me at all, I agree that it adds interest.

-Cam

Registered on November 12, 2009, 59 Posts, 398 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on December 22, 2011 at 9:48 PM

I like the focussed look on the cheetah's face, his nostrils slightly flared, heck, even the fly on the nose!

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Runco on December 22, 2011 at 11:00 PM

Excellent cheetah close-up Steve - the white in the bg doesn't bother me at all, but I do find myself looking for the ears. Cheers!

Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on December 23, 2011 at 12:33 AM

Oh my goodness, Stephen! This is a beauty...both the subject and your portrayal. For me, this is one of those images I would have to try and come up with something to nitpick, and I won't. Frankly, nothing comes to mind...it's just a fantastic image. You nailed this one!

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Apodaca on December 23, 2011 at 4:12 PM

Incredible! That's all I have to say...

Registered on November 16, 2011, 67 Posts, 1127 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on December 24, 2011 at 12:33 PM

Awesome and incredibly detailed

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on December 24, 2011 at 2:26 PM

Very compelling close-up. Nice work!

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

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 24, 2011 at 5:51 PM

The tight crop works really well for me. The large eyes, slightly open mouth and flared nostrils gives life and interest to this lovely portrait. I hadn't noticed the lighter area al the lrc, seems natural and nonobtrusive.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on December 24, 2011 at 8:27 PM

An intriguing and beautiful colse-up Stephen. Sweet Photo

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on December 28, 2011 at 10:25 AM

Beautiful portrait Steve! This really has an intimate feel. Wonderfully done!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on December 28, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Thanks everyone, glad you liked it.

Steve

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 30, 2011 at 2:44 AM

Excellent portrait - sharp detail and great eyes. To me, the white areas on the right are a little distracting, so I'd suggest experimenting with cloning and healing the area and see what you think.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on January 3, 2012 at 2:06 AM

Nice work. Sharp with good bokeh. The comp is simple but nice. I love the cheetah's smile.

Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments