imagesgonewild

Thank you Mike and Jan

The last thing I would ever want to do would be to disturb any wild animal.   I always feel very blessed when animals allow me into their territory to capture the amazement of their lives on film.  By tracking, I only mean that my guide taught me to find tracks and watch and listen very closely to keep track of where this cheetah went throughout the morning instead of relying only on visual sightings.  The only reason this cheetah would even have known we were close by would have been because of her amazing survival instincts.

Back to Africa on less than 1 month!!

While on safari, my guide taught me how to track this cheetah, we followed her for a

while, then she stopped and rested here while surveying her territory.

Comments and critiques appreciated.

The way the light hit this flower, it looked to me like a baboon face. Anything I can do

to make it better?

Comments and Critiques appreciated :)

This beautiful African Crane, was over 3 1/2 ft tall, able to look in through the windows

of the safari vehicle. What can I do to bring him out of the backgroung? His crown

was really pretty, but you can hardly even tell it is there.

I was surprised to find a few different photos of this rabbit on the run. I didn't think I

would have any identifiable ones. I would have liked to have captured a clearer image

of the rabbit while also having the "light speed" effect of the background. Can

somebody tell me what I can try with the shutter speed. I found some tripod tips, but

everything I do is using a beanbag on some part of a vehicle.

Thank you!!!

I'm wondering about the flies in this image. Do they add to the "wild" feel or should I

try to take them out? Her reaction/expression was because the flies were busy

hounding her after she ate.

This is one of 3 big males keeping an eye out for the 2 females that were eating at

sunrise. Everybody was busy watching the feast out of the left side of the vehicle and

as I surveyed behind the vehicle and to the right, this guy stood up in the grass. He

was really far away, but so majestic and strong, it took my breath away. He was

incredibly beautiful.

This beautiful girl was a wonderful surprise as she came flying in to join a male that

was fishing. Her yellow eyes were incredible.

This was one of the youngest cubs. He spent quite a bit of time trying to pick up that

big "stick" his paw is on. I was hoping to get a cute expression... keeping my eye and

my lens on him when I heard this very cute noise. After a minute I figured out he was

practicing his roar!

Masai Mara late afternoon. Comments and critique appreciated.

Does this guy work in black and white?

This cub, the biggest of all 9 cubs came to within 4 feet of the car and just sort of

stared at me for a few minutes. It took probably 3 of those minutes to realize that I

shouldn't be connecting and talking to this young cat, but I should be taking his picture.

He was in the shade behind the vehicle. Wonderful private time, before he got a gruff

growl from his mom who must have decided he was too close, since he hurried off in

her direction :) I was speechless for a long time.

Cropped out the green leaves. Wish I could get the eyes to pop more :)

Not sure what to do with this guy, it was taken with a point and shoot in macro mode. I

love the image, but am not sure what to do to make it better.

comments and critiques/ideas appreciated

:) comments and critiques appreciated.

This reticulated giraffe was crossing the river when another safari vehicle came into

view.

This little cub was practicing his fierce look as long as he was in the protection of

mom. The sun was going down and gave gorgeous light. cCritiques and comments

appreciated.

Day 2 on the Masai Mara we caught up with the marsh pride, deep in the marsh. The

females had made a kill, a huge waterbuck, a little while before we got there. All of the

cubs were playing more than eating and playing tug of war with the "parts". This little

guy, one of the older cubs, started gnawing on one of the legs and decided when his

brothers ran by to sit on it. It looked just like he was claiming it as his :)

Not sure what to do with the deep shadows, do I need to do something or should I

leave it the way it is.

Thanks Mike! Gotta say I was the youngest on the trip, and made even the most "serious" photographers discover their laugh and smile muscles. It was an awesome trip, I can't believe I get to go back - 15 weeks and counting!!

On safari in the Masai Mara. Safari surfing, driving with your body out of the top while

watching for animals was the best way to travel!

Thoughts and ideas appreciated!

:D

Caught this young elephant enjoying the marsh :)

Touch #1 cleaned up a bit (thanks again for the lesson, Mike)