Portrait of a leopard

[Vida van der Walt]

A few months ago I had the opportunity to play with a different lens than my usual macro lens. We spent 2 days at the Sabi Sands game reserve and I only came away with a few shots I'm OK with. My first love will always be insect photography but I did enjoy the experience with this lens (although difficult to get used to).:)
Canon 5D Mark11
Canon 300mm f2.8; 1.4TC
apert f8; ss 1/250; iso 200
cropped, sharpened, nr, removed 3 ugly little twigs from the bottom edge and lightened some of the darker spots in the bg.

[Todd Frost]

You did very well, light angle is good as well as exposure and detail. Very nice portrait of a beautiful cat. TFS
Todd

[Marc Mol]

Nice portrait Vida, good light, comp & sharpness.
Only wish for a bit more head turn towards the camera to take this up another level.
TFS

[Ignacio Yufera]

Very nice and sharp, really pops out. Minor comment: from dog photography I've learned that the "mid-tongue" expression is rarely flattering. Better to have it all the way out, or in.

Best,

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I agree with the previous comments. You should try with your bigger lens more often. Some more head turn would have been great. The image is sharp. Composition is fine. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Stu Bowie]

Hey Vida, I dont see any mini creatures here ;) I like the light quality, and you have exposed the colours nicely. Sharp, and I dont mind the slight hint of the tongue. Which camp or area where you in? Well captured.

[Vida van der Walt]

Thank you all for the advice and feedback.:) Stu, we were at a lodge called Simbambili. Great lodge and excellent game viewing.:)

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks Vida. In 2008, we were at Ntombi house ( next door to Arathusa ) and a day at Kirkmann's camp.

[Peter Buntman]

Vida, this is a great shot of Salayexe sexy girl who lives in and around Simbambili, Ive been photographing her for 3 years now and just cant get enough of her. WHen were you at the lodge and did you see her cubs?

[Vida van der Walt]

Peter, she is a beautiful leopard. I was at the lodge end of October last year. We did see the 2 cubs and they were so cute. We got real close to them and they treated us to some great fun when they chased a squirrel up a tree. I've never seen a squirrel jump so far!:)

[Callie de Wet]

Vida, she is a beaut. I shot her when she was about 3 months old, and I believe she is now also a mother. She has her Mother's ears!

[Harshad Barve]

Execellent image Vida , Light , pose, and details are just awesome
TFS