Alert Alpha Male

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 16, 2013309 views12 comments

I captured this photo lying on my stomach in a sandy riverbed in the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. What a thrilling experience! Here the Alpha Male of the pack of Cape Hunting Dogs we were photographing took notice of us. Moments later he bore down on us, came to within 5 meters, took in our scent and then relaxed, lying down close to us and yawning while he checked us out.

I cannot wait to return in July with a group to this magical place!

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
1.4x TC
f6.3 @ 1/320 SS @ ISO-4000

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on March 16, 2013 at 6:08 PM

Wonderful image of extreme alertness. You DOF is a great part of this success IMO.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Don Randall on March 16, 2013 at 7:57 PM

Wonderful shot. That stance and intense look.... How much did you have to pay him to pose like that? lol. Great capture!

Registered on March 9, 2013, 4 Posts, 17 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on March 16, 2013 at 8:04 PM

It's pretty apparent why this is the alpha male. All the senses are on full alert. The eyes look like they are shooting x-rays. A beuatiful marked animal that you captured real well. Nicely composed as well. The story is great, too. Obviously, they don't look at man as a danger to them. Not many places where that's true. How big are these guys? I don't really have much sense as to their size.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 16, 2013 at 10:03 PM

You really made the most of this great opportunity. As mentioned, excellent dof. The low point of view is superb and emphasizes the dominant body language he exudes. Very nice!!!

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

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on March 17, 2013 at 5:50 AM

The low angle and use of very long FL to isolate the subject make this a very strong image. The proud stance and intriguing eye-contact are really cool.

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

Comment posted by Johan Malmros on March 17, 2013 at 7:47 AM

Stunning Morkel. Great contact

Registered on January 6, 2011, 20 Posts, 154 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 17, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Hello morkel

Seems like he is going to jump out of his skin looking at you! Very Intense LOOK:)

And those Ears, So Large, well defined, Bet this guy could hear you from afar with those beauties?

Between you and Vincent , you both seem to spend a lot of time on your bellies? :) (You Really Get into it!)

Do these Wild dogs travel in packs?

Thanks for Sharing

Bill

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

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on March 17, 2013 at 12:39 PM

Great pose checking you out, Morkel!
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on March 17, 2013 at 2:44 PM

Fantastic capture Morkel. Superb work in my opinion.
Bob

Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 17, 2013 at 4:44 PM

Handsome fellow. Those eyes are piercing. Love the pov. It really adds drama here.

Wayne

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on March 17, 2013 at 11:28 PM

Thanks everyone for your kind comments...

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

Comment posted by Guy Runco on March 25, 2013 at 8:59 PM

Excellent shot Morkel, absolutely zero nits from me. Great work!

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