Stalking Leopard

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 13, 2016100 views7 comments

I spent the who morning shadowing this young Leopard, after 2 hours it still did not take down an Impala from the herd it had been following. It was great to see how it used the cover and it's 'stealth' to get close, he was within 3m at one point of a young Impala and still did not make a move, obviously not that hungry!

Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous thread.

Steve

Subject: Leopard (Panthera pardus) stalking
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 200-400f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/3200s at f/5.6 ISO800 EV +0.33
Original format: Landscape, slight cropfor presentation
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on December 13, 2016 at 8:47 AM

Great behavioral capture. I also like the habitat shown. I would darken this a bit, as it seems a little washed out to me. Also, less centered if you have the canvass. Must have been great to witness this. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on December 13, 2016 at 9:35 AM

Thanks Jerry, at that time of day the light was strong, but not harsh and so I want to retain that. The Histogram is spread centrally ensuring that there is the maximum data capture so I'm OK on the overall exposure. Sadly, only a fraction to the front as he was almost direct in line to the sensor so I can't really avoid the central place, but agree a bit more to the left would be better.

To witness a kill, yes it is exciting, however it is also a sad time too, but they only kill to eat and survive.

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

Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on December 13, 2016 at 1:29 PM

Great pose, showing the stealth of the animal. Neat.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on December 16, 2016 at 10:52 AM

I hope you don't mind but I changed the exposure a bit. Tell me what you think.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on December 17, 2016 at 10:05 AM

Hi Jerry, I can see where you are going, but I try to retain as best I can, amongst other factors, the time of day, as so being bright, colours & tones will be more 'muted' rather than deeper.

Thanks

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on December 17, 2016 at 10:59 AM

Hi Steve,

The out-stretched pose is great. Your discussion on lighting with Jerry is interesting - the old "aesthetically pleasing vs. as close to original scene as possible" debate. I also find the shot a bit "washed out" but have no memory to compare it to...but even if you don't change the exposure I think a little mid-tone contrast work would strengthen the shot. If it were mine I would also lose some of the OOF foreground, not only does that add little to the shot but in doing that the cat would be pulled out of the exact midline of the shot. But all personal preference stuff and this one is fun to look at exactly as posted...

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on December 17, 2016 at 11:14 AM

Thanks Brad,

I've taken it down a fraction on the Exp -0.20, beyond that I feel it looses what I feel the look & feel should be, plus rather than a midtone, I just quickly added a Luminosity layer blend to the subject. Took on board FG reduction and added a slight Green Channel Curve adj. Can't remember what the RP max size is so kept it to 800.

Cheers
Steve

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