Hostile Takeover

Gallery: WildlifePosted February 12, 2013319 views10 comments

Sorry for bombing you with this sighting. Next one will be something different

In lion hierarchy - the females do the killing and the males the primary eating...

(I did write a proper blog post telling the whole story with images in sequence for those interested HERE.

It was quite tricky processing this, as it was naturally very low in contrast due to the dust. I tried to boost it without losing the essence of the scene.

Techs:
Nikon D3s with Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f5.6 @ 1/640 SS @ ISO-1600
full frame side-to-side

Some might feel it's "boxed in" from the top but I felt in this case it zoned you right in on the pivotal moment.

Some might also feel it's a case of too much focal length - I feel shooting wider would have lessened the impact of the moment the female fled from the incoming male. Your thoughts?

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Rick Andrews on February 12, 2013 at 6:21 PM

Hey Morkel, this shot certainly tells a story. I love the crisp detail and think you did a great job of capturing the action. My only nit is that you weren't able to capture more of the male entering the frame, but with a prime lens I fully understand the challenges of doing that. Still a great action shot, well done and thanks for posting.

cheers
Rick

Registered on December 31, 2011, 45 Posts, 222 Comments

Comment posted by Carey Closs on February 12, 2013 at 7:38 PM

Great action shot Morkel, you really captured the moment. Although the male doesn't seem to be doing anything all that intimidating, the lioness certainly isn't taking any chances, love how her gaze remains on him as she makes her exit. I take it the dust isn't from the kill but rather was kicked up by the other females getting outta Dodge when the big male approached?

Registered on April 15, 2012, 107 Posts, 326 Comments

Comment posted by Don Westbrook on February 12, 2013 at 10:33 PM

I like that your photos always tell a story in action. I personally like the feeling of the male entering the center of the action, and in turn driving the female out of it. I totally agree that a wider shot would have lessened the impact of the image

Registered on January 4, 2013, 11 Posts, 332 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on February 13, 2013 at 1:31 AM

A very behavioral image...fine story in this ..beautifully crafted. What I really liked is the exposure/light in the series.

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on February 13, 2013 at 8:31 PM

Cool. This stands alone, but clearly is enhanced as part of the entire "story-line" of images captured. Thanks!

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

Comment posted by Joe James on February 13, 2013 at 9:48 PM

I love the intensity of the scene and the look on the lionesses face, well captured!

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

Comment posted by Ellen deBoer on February 14, 2013 at 8:45 AM

Perfectly captured moment, Morkel! Typically for lions, the lazy male can eat afer all the work the females have done!

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

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on February 15, 2013 at 12:57 AM

I Iike the way the male is entering the frame and the female is about to leave it at the same time. The male seems very calm, though. There is no sudden savage charge at the carcass, which would have been more dramatic, but would have probably added even more dust.

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

Comment posted by William Bickle on February 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM

Hello Morkel

Especially like how you have caught the action. The Females position is Great!

Thanks

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on February 25, 2013 at 3:58 PM

Thanks a lot for your kind comments, folks...

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