Curious Cheetah Cub

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 3, 2013234 views8 comments

I didn't like this much at first, but I must say it's grown on me...
I initially wished for both eyes to be in the clear, but I suppose this shot says much more about the encounter and the nature of the cat than the "ideal" would have.

Low angle achieved by a fortunate dip in the road.

Taken last March in a green Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (you wouldn't say it's a semi-desert from this shot).

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f4.0 | 1/200 SS | ISO-1000
80% of full frame, cropped a bit from top and left...

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 3, 2013 at 7:05 PM

This is beautiful Morkel. My experience is that wildlife, birds included seem to be a lot more content if they can get a visual screen, even if it's partial, between them and you. This youngster is doing just that and his curiosity is evident in spades. You did a nice job getting the cub in sharp focus in spite of the grass. Excellent composition too.

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

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 3, 2013 at 10:24 PM

I see this as a fine capture...but I would be in the school that agrees with you initial wish for both eyes totally unobstructed.

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

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 4, 2013 at 1:38 PM

I really like the concept you used here and moreover, I love that look and the wet fur on the curious cub Morkel; it made me smile

. I am in agreement of a better view of the eyes, but what is much more unfortunate IMO are the two grasses (one larger and one smaller) protruding right behind the ears or the cub...

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

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on March 4, 2013 at 11:37 PM

Morkel ..this is a beautiful image .Love the environment and dof choice ..well done

Balan Vinod

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

Comment posted by Rick Andrews on March 6, 2013 at 10:01 AM

Hi Morkel, this picture certainly tells a story and I wouldn't wish for it to look any other way. Beautifully done.

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

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on March 6, 2013 at 4:33 PM

Green is my least favourite colour when it comes to backgrounds - maybe because there is so much of it around - but here it works really well. The colours of the cheetah contrast beautifully with the surrounding green and help it to stand out well. The sharpness of the cheetah and the blur of the background also enhance the shot. nice one.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on March 16, 2013 at 6:31 PM

Thank you all for the kind comments...

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

Comment posted by Mae on March 29, 2013 at 1:22 PM

Morkel, I love his head popping up with those odd quirky eyes. This one captured me immediately as an image stepping out of the box. I like the grass...as is.

Registered on March 22, 2013, 13 Posts, 58 Comments