Cheetah in Gold

[Morkel Erasmus]

We spent a few hours with a trio of cheetahs one afternoon during our trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. They attempted to stalk and hunt a springbuck but the buck was onto them and they couldn't get close enough without being detected.

Here is a shot of one of the cheetahs, looking totally dejected at being unable to procure some dinner. Just love the golden grass and light showing you the environment of this cat.

Comments most welcome...

Techs:
Canon 40D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 400mm
f6.3 @ 1/800 SS @ ISO-640
Exp +0.3

[Stu Bowie]

Now here is cat that I just dont have in my files. Love the comp with the space, and showing how these guys operate in open plains due to their tremendous speed. Great HA, and Im glad you left the grass against him. Well captured mate.

[Ken Watkins]

I have to say that the only thing I do not like is the "thick" grass near the shoulder. This would be much better if the grass was further back. If it had been possible to waith for a movement forward then the bush behind the head would also be less apparent. Even allowing for the above it still a beautiful creature.

[Marc Mol]

Great composition & habitat image Morkel.
I'd tone down the contrast on the grass stalks on the Cheetah.

[Betsie Storm]

Morkel, I am also green about this one; I have some leopard but no cheetah. Great capture, I especially like the look on the face. Personally I like the grass as it is; whole image works for me.

[Harshad Barve]

I have some leopard but no cheetah.

I dont have any other Big CAT than Tiger :D:):cool:;)

Morkelbhai , beautiful image , lovely pose , nice compo and habitat ,
How I wish to get such a fine image in my files
TFS

[Ken Watkins]

I dont have any other Big CAT than Tiger :D:):cool:;)
TFS
If you are only going to have one then that is the cat to have!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Morkel you certainly captured the disappointment of this cheetah in his unsuccessful hunt. Love the composition and the timing of this capture. Well done.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the kind and constructive feedback Judy, Ken, Harshadbhai, Betsie, Marc and Stu :)

[Danny J Brown]

Hi Morkel: You framed this shot beautifully and gave us a glimpse of an animal that most of us would only see in a zoo, a place where many of us never go as well. I'm really glad you left the grass just as shot. If you are shooting a cheetah through a field of tall grass its not necessary, in my opinion, to mow a shooting lane to the animal in post. Well done.

[David Fletcher]

Nice one Morkel. The dejection shows through very well. Love your composition and sense of space too. Very well done.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for your thought Danny & Dave.

@ Danny - exactly my thoughts, I wanted to leave this shot as natural as I saw it...

[John Blumenkamp]

Nice job Morkel... I really like the sense of place you've captured here too.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks John

[Steve Canuel]

Nice one Morkel. I like the habitat you've captured him in.

[Morkel Erasmus]

appreciate your feedback, Steve...