Leopard Protecting Its Kill

[John Lowin]

Captured in the Upper Masi Mara. This was a challenging image with the very busy bg and light canopy. But this opportunity was too good to pass by. I've done some curve and blur adjustments, hopefully not too offensive. I hope you like it. All critiques and comments requested, I'm here to learn.

f/8 1/160 ISO 400
Canon EOS 1D Mk II
Canon EF 500 1:4 IS USM
Kinesis Gear Safari Sack (Bean Bag)
Canon Flash w/ Anderson's Better Beamer

[Alfred Forns]

Hi John Going tight was the way to go, maximises the effect and helps out with the bg. The image is well exposed and sharp, best you could do from your position !!! I like it !!!

.... btw another alternative is going even tighter Tech wise I would have raised the ISO and wouldn't have worried about stopping one down, that lens is great wide open with converter plus will help out with bg !!!

[Sabyasachi Patra]

John,
Nice sighting. I agree with Alfred about a shallow aperture. In these situations, I would try as shallow a lens opening as possible, so would have tried f5.6. However, if the branches in the background are near to the leopard, then you wont be able to get them diffused despite the shallower lens opening. I would also have tried a 2x as well. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Rene Quenneville]

Beautiful. We fel the moment. Nice crop and exposure.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

I too like the crop and excellent detail and eye contact. You did well in a very difficult situation. I remember how hard it was with the exposure and your's is right on.

[John Lowin]

Judy, Thank you for your kind words. This is an ongoing learning process and I am benefiting greatly. Thanks to all who commented. John

[Dan Walker]

Nice image. the background doesn't bother me, looks like you did well to minimize it. What was he munching on?

Dan

[John Lowin]

Hi Dan, Thanks for your kind comments. We believe it was a Warthog, although no tusks are visible. We think it was a young animal. However, I'm not the expert, that's what our leader thought. John

[Robert Amoruso]

John,

I think you handled a difficult shooting situation well. Nice work capturing this action.

[John Lowin]

Robert,

Thank you, I appreciate your comment. Lots more for me to learn.