Lion Charge

Rashed, I've already stated (twice) that I really like the photo. But rather than have largely a series of "Great photo" comments (which I think is of limited benefit to nearly everyone), especially since the POW is meant, in part, to stimulate discussion, I posted a question that I thought might be of interest to some or on which some folks might express an opinion (as Sean and Anne have done, although Anne may have been commenting without regard to my question -- I'm not sure). I'm really just playing the devil's advocate here in trying to get some viewers to think about one aspect of Marsel's photograph; I'm asking a question -- I'm not making a statement or expressing an opinion. I think it's too bad that you consider my desire and attempt to enhance discussion of the POW as wasting server space.

No Stephen i was referring to the sentence which says what if the image taken different method, not what all you said there, this sentence which means nothing to me as long as the image already been taken, processed, posted and selected to be a POW.
No other wise Stephen

Fred, I know Stephen for a long time here and I have no issues about his quality, thats beyond any question, I always admired his work.
For myself I already stated, I am of no Master and luckily I have a little English trying to express my opinions as much as I can, but for my photographic quality, thats will remain progressing and will never reach the limit of perfections, I prefer live and learn than learn everything and go into deep sleep while the other passes me with learning everything every day.
Thank you , wishing you a very happy new year.
Sorry Stephen, I am real sorry that I forgot wishing you and yours a very happy new year, thats from the inside of my heart.

I have taken photos of alligators and crocodiles from fairly close but have never fed one my camera, I have also photographed wild monkeys on many occasions without incident. Even with my good fortune I would still be able to figure out that a large male lion might be dangerous. Some things are self evident.

I did come frightening close to being pecked by a partridge while shooting with a wide angle lens. The bird was inches from my face and I did not even have a mono-pod.

Glad you're still with us, Gordon. That was close.

Rashed, sometimes our written words don't convey what we are really thinking or feeling. It's happened to me many times. I misinterpreted. Let's get back to the photo, and may all of us have a good 2011.

Let's face it some people just don't like their picture taken.

If there was an audible roar accompanying this photo, I'd be running !

Very good wild shot. Would love to know how close this annimal was to you. Congrats.

man o man! That's amazing. ONe of the best wildlife shots I've ever seen. That is scary!

 

Did he eat the D3?

Excellent capture via ingenious means. Kudos, Marsel.
The only weakness I can speak of is perhaps the title. The lion does not appear to me (and others) to be charging. Perhaps "growl" or "snarl" would have been better choices of words for the title. But that's a nit, really.
Excellent photo, most enjoyable to view.
Cheers ~
Alberta

What bird, Gordon?

John,

:)

Wow, I don't find words to describe it... amazing shot.. well done..

I think that this image isn't about luck, it's about preparation, innovation and execution. If there were only one great image, then it might be luck, but Marsel's whole portfolio demonstrates unique perspectives and innovative technique. He knew that he couldn't simply lay in the grass and wait for a male lion to come by, perturb the lion, take a few shots with his wide angle lens and walk away unscathed. Still, he wanted the shot and came up with a method to get it.

 

Being only  a relative noob at wildlife photography, I'm certain that a lot of persistence went into this shot. Knowing the target animals' likely behaviour, daily meandering habits, setting up for good light all went into this shot. Even with my own mundane shots, people will say things like, "You were really lucky to get that" not giving me any credit for arriving at dawn, three days in a row and sitting in my mini-blind for hours at a time, waiting on a bird or animal to come by and do its "normal" behaviour.

 

Yes, you keep trying and trying and then you get "lucky." I think that anyone attributing this stunning image to luck, has never really tried to create something special themselves.

 

I hope this image receives many awards and makes Marsel a very happy man.

WOW... great eye contact!!!
I guess it went like this:
- [Photographer] "Come on little kitty, gimme a smile..."
- [Lion] "ROARRRR..."
- Click-click-click-click
- [Photographer, looking at his camera LCD] "Wow, that was great!!!"
- Confused movements on the scene, camera rests on the ground...
- [Lion, licking his moustache] "Wow, that was good!!!"
Really, great image, I hadn't seen anything like this before!
Much more exciting that the classic shot done with a telescope attached to the camera...
Thanks for sharing!

 

Ok - so there was heavy metal between you and those chompers right? I was wondering why I hadn't seen you for a while. I thought someone found your camera and this shot was inside with you nowhere to be seen.

Your technique is remarkable. I see now that I was right to idolize you after seeing what you could do with filters and now this!

So - how does one critique an image as emotionally powerful as this? Even if there were technical issues to be found, the subject material would more than make up for it.

For the lack of anything really creative or constructive to say, I'll end by stating, "it would have been nice if you could have gotten better catch lights in the kitty's eyes. They are rather dark and mean looking."

From one Nikonian to another - Bravo!!! I am truly in awe of your talents.

 

Amazingly Brave Shot!

A View to Kill.......................

This is a great POW for starting the year of 2011...Nice focus,nice colour tones and well BG.
Best regards(Bobby).

First of all: what an amazing photograph! It's not every day you get to see this kind of photo. Secondly, not saying that luck is not a factor, I do tend to agree with David Stephens. Preparation and anticipation are both instrumental in capturing a photograph like this. Most definitely. Very good work.

Terrific shot. Most interesting will be the story and history of marketing this undoubtedly useful in many ways image.

This is a shot one can get only in a billion years and live to tell the tale. Thanks a lot for bringing it to us.
By the way how is your camera? Wasn't it mauled?

I thought only motorsports can be dangerous. I don't find other [or original] words but "amazing" and "wow", to describe the picture! Congratulations!

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing your technique. Best regards.

"If you would like to join me on one of my workshops and photo tours..."
Ah, no, thanks. I appreciate the one life I have. Still, this is one AMAZING capture, and certainly worthy of its POW stature.