Cheetah Ablaze

[Morkel Erasmus]

Just because I am in a sharing mood...:bg3:

...and because I've been working through these images from November 2011 and discovered some gems...like Steve always says, taking some time after the trip makes you see the images in a better light (detached from the euphoria and the emotional connection shortly after the trip).

There's something about the quality of light in the Kalahari (particularly the golden hour) that just blows my mind. This young male cheetah was walking among the three-thorn shrubs north of Nossob rest camp (close to Cubitje Quap waterhole) in the first rays of dawn light and the scene was just magical. I particularly like the contrast of the blazing golden light on the scenery and the soft light on the cheetah (who was walking in the shade of a nearby tree).

I can't wait to return there in 10 days! :eek3:

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
1.4x teleconverter
f5.6 | 1/640 SS | ISO-1600

[Rachel Hollander]

Morkel - I agree beautiful light and golden tones to this. Nice alert walking pose as well and I like the dof. Maybe just a touch more sharpening on the face/head? Your images from the Kalahari are really tempting me to add the area to one of my future trips though I imagine I would have to deviate from my usual timing of my trips during your winter? It seems that you locals tend to visit this park in your late spring or early summer.

TFS,
Rachel

[Andrew Merwin]

Morkel, this is a beautiful image of a gorgeous animal. It sounds like this was a very special encounter. TFS.

[Hilary Hann]

Sublime Morkel, lovely light, raised front paw, alert look, the youthful and shaggy coat. I like the golden vignette caused naturally by the light on the vegetation.

[Marina Scarr]

What a stunner, Morkel, the subject and the light. Great pose. Love the ruffled up fur.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Morkel,
like the subject surrounded by that golden light of the KTFP in ideal situation.
Pose and light are stunning,framing works well with your usual IQ.
If you have i would go tighter on RHS and more space on LHS.
You said about Rudi`s to much sharpening applied, think yours could stand a tad more, as you know i like it sssssharp!

Still a stunning image, Morkel

TFS Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Morkel, a little late, but...

A cracking image, in cracking light, one of your best IMHO! :cheers:


think yours could stand a tad more, as you know i like it sssssharp!

Would also agree. :w3

TFS
Steve

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thank you all for the kind comments.
Here's a repost with slightly more sharpening applied to the kitty...:w3

[Steve Kaluski]

That will do nicely. :5:5

[Andreas Liedmann]

Yep !!!! ===)))))

:bg3:

[Tim King]

The grasses in the foreground add a lot to an already amazing photo. The sharper repost looks good.

[Gregor Bergquist]

Just magical light, and very lovely cheetah cub.

TFS, Gregor

[dankearl]

Magnificient, Morkel in every way.
The light, Bg and subject are superb.
I agree, one of your best.

[Ignacio Yufera]

Great image Morkel, love the alert expression and the diffused bushes in the BG. The light is indeed magical.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks a lot guys...
:5