squiver 0 Posted March 19, 2009 No matter how good you are as a wildlife photographer, when it comesto finding the wildlife you'll never beat a local specialist. This iswhy on most of my projects and workshops I prefer to work withspecialist guides, trackers and biologists. On this occasion I wasworking with a biologist that was doing extensive leopard research inthe area and who knew exactly where to look for these elusive big cats.One morning, we were searching the trees and bushes for leopards, whenmy guide suddenly stopped the Land Rover and pointed to a bush nearthe edge of a dry river bed: leopard. But no matter how hard I tried,I couldn't see it. It wasn't until we slowly moved a little closerthat I finally saw it, hiding deep inside the bush.When I pointed my camera in its direction, the welcoming committee wasnot happy and I was greeted with a vicious snarl. I quickly took ashot and then decided to leave it in peace.I usually go to great lengths to get clean and uncluttered shots, sothis one is quite unusual for me. That said, I don't mind the leafsand branches here at all, as I feel they add a sense of wildness tothe image in combination with the powerful expression of the subject.Most of the times when wildlife photographers show images of growlingor snarling big cats, they're actually in an early or late stage ofyawning. This is how a real snarl looks like. :smile:Nikon D2Xs, AF-S 600/4.0, 1/50 @ f/5.6, ISO 400, beanbag Link to comment
satishnair 0 Posted March 19, 2009 Superb. Even in the fleeting moment you had, the composition and exposure are perfect... to the extent that even the patterns on the tongue are so clear! Kudos. Link to comment
jamfest 0 Posted March 20, 2009 Excellent capture. The one leopard I saw in Tanzana was at least 50 yards away. I like the leaves here. Gives a sense of the environment of the leopard. Good composition. It's great how you were able to capture both eyes so sharp, through the leaves. Link to comment
jmarcraveau 0 Posted March 20, 2009 Great image. I agree with David about the leaves and the eyes. Excellent capture. Regards, Jean-Marc Link to comment
matman1975 0 Posted March 21, 2009 Excellent image Marsel, very "powerful". The thrill of tracking and "shooting" leopards is indeed somenthing beyond any description. Well done, Teo Link to comment
zackhussain 0 Posted March 21, 2009 Im completely mesmerized by those eyes, look long enough and you could be in a spell. Great Job!!! First thing I noticed were teh eyes and the foliage, couldnt have asked for better comp...this is excellent work and great timing. Best, Zack Link to comment
naturalworld 0 Posted March 22, 2009 Wow, excellent shot. The leaves and branches give a sense of environment. Link to comment
wedeko 0 Posted March 22, 2009 Normally those leaves are really disturbing but you made it just that they doesn't bother at all, they are just a big bonus, thank your for sharing! Link to comment
shantanusane 0 Posted December 2, 2009 You are lucky to see one of these cats.....Picture is wonderful too. So natural....Love it. Congratulations !! Link to comment
mikepalo 0 Posted December 2, 2009 I am normally a "uncluttered shooter" as well. Personally I think the "clutter" in this shot MAKES the picture. In my opinion the key is yes there is clutter but there is nothing completely blocking the crystal clear tac-sharp eyes or the mouth, teeth, and the snarl. This is a Fantastic Picture I absolutely love it. Keep it up. -Michael Palozzola Link to comment
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