The Smothering

[Morkel Erasmus]

This one is for Steve...:c3::w3

For the whole story: http://bit.ly/LionKill


In continuation of the lion kill we saw in the Kalahari in November...I know photos like this aren't for everybody. I just found it fascinating to see how the one male, once he took over the eland (which was still alive at this point), started to play with it like a housecat would play with a mouse it had caught. Though images like this disturb those who don't want to see the antelope get hurt, it is a big part of the natural cycle of life in Africa, and story-telling images like this are what we wildlife photographers crave after.

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f5.6 | 1/640 SS | ISO-2000
Full frame side-to-side, slight crop from top and bottom

[Rudi van den Heever]

An incredible sighting expertly captured Morkel! The "circle" of life is cruel, but also very beautiful!

The soft light created lovely pastel colors here! ;)

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Oh wow amazing moment here Morkel. The wrinkly face of the lion and helpless limp head of the antelope tell the whole story. Well captured

[Rachel Hollander]

Morkel - this is great action, well captured. One small thing, there's a brighter, golden streak on the lhs that I would tone down.

TFS,
Rachel

[Michael Todd]

Awesome capture! I really like the lighting. The circle of life, some die so others might live. It is practiced by all whether they know it or not.

[Tom Graham]

Went to the web link you give. Great photos and great narrative.
Tom

[Danny Laredo]

Wonderful moment. Sure its not for everyone but thats nature.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Fascinating capture Morkel, you are lucky to witness it. I like the image for its comp, clarity and the intense moment it portrays!
great work. TFS.

[Anette Mossbacher]

Wonderful image Morkel, I agree with Rachel on that yellow stick on the LHS, I would tone it down as well or even get rid of it!

Ciao
Anette

[Shreyas Mantri]

Again, great series and story. That's how "they" dine in the wild :bg3:
TFS

[dankearl]

A terrific action photo, perfect timing and moment captured.
A bit more contrast for me would make it "pop" a bit more.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Morkel, I like the clear view point of the image, and a fitting shot concluding an excellent series of images.

Just looking at the Levels histogram I just wonder if pulling back the RH slider to around 235, then adding a mid tone adjustment might go towards what Dan has comment on? Not ideal viewing on the laptop, but the mane looks a little crunch, I just wonder if it a combination of ISO & Sharpening? I just tried cropping a little off the top, roughly taking a line on the last line of your © text, it tends to give a cleaner BKG, but no deal breaker :w3

The expression of the Lions face and front paw over the carcass, the legs of the kill pointing upwards, jaw open all combine to create a poignant moment, in the life & death within the bush.

TFS
Steve

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks a lot for your kind compliments everyone...

Steve, I already boosted contrast from the previous version you saw, and again was timid to lose that early morning "in the dust" feel as well. Will play around some more.
:S3: