On top of things

Excellent series of shots..wish I'd been there! Love her protective "arm" on the prize.

Great image, and excellent series Morkel. I think the contrast is fine, looks like you added just the right amount. The dust in the air really gives you the feeling that the chase has just ended, great capture..

Excellent wildlife photo. The dust adds interest and realism. You still have some warm light falling on the standing lion's face to lend variety and to help identify the low contrast area as dust. Degree of contrast is fine as is, could go even a little less perhaps.

Wow!. For me is excellent, even better than without dust. I agree with Gary, the dust adds interest and realism.
Wonderful series and experience.

Hey Morkel,

Great sequence and a fitting end (if one is cheering for the lions ). On the issue of the low contrast associated with the dust (more vs. less). Here's my take: If i was presenting this as the last image in a sequence, I would tend to keep the dust in (at about the contrast level you have here). In that context it makes total sense and could be thought of as an asset (or simply as a good reflection of reality). However, if I was presenting (or trying to sell) this image as a "standalone" shot, I'd probably boost the contrast and minimize the presence of the dust.

On the crop...you know, for me it's almost a little too "fitted". On a shot like this I would definitely keep the subjects in the forefront (low in the frame) but I think this one might be stronger with more room on top. But definitely a personal preference thing...

Cheers...thanks for sharing this cool sequence - would have been an amazing thing to watch and you certainly did a top-notch job in accurately (yet artfully) portraying it!

Brad

Love this one too Morkel.. a nice story in there ...liked the comp and crop and that patch of light its face ..well done

Balan Vinod

The fact that her head, mysteriously looking back, is above the thickest dust really makes this work. Nice job. Regarding framing, my subjective opinion would be to allow a touch more space on the top if there are not unwanted distractions there.

Hi Morkel, I think this is a great shot that really tells a story. As some of the others have previously mentioned the contrast is fine and I also agree that a bit more added to the top wouldn’t hurt. I guess the things that stands out for me is the lionesses head which is the sharpest feature, and with her looking back, it makes me wonder what she’s looking at. So while this creates an added element of interest, I wonder if perhaps it doesn’t also detract a little from the main story which of course is the kill.
Regardless it’s still a great image and it must have been a real thrill to photograph this sequence. Well done and thanks for posting.

Cheers
Rick

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, folks. I had a look, no more space on top (had to rotate when cropping)...

Rick - she was watching the incoming male. See the next photo I posted