Very Early Morning Cheetah

[Ken Watkins]

We found this Cheetah at Kennedy 2 waterhole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe at the unearthly hour of 06.00. It was still dark and we could just make it out in the vehicle headlights. We followed the Cheetah luckily he stayed quite close to one of the loop roads, and wondered just how long it would take for the sun to appear. This image was taken at 06.51, and has nowhere near the IQ I would have liked, it was taken in red light. Put it down to a frozen photographer and despair.

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 IS hand held from vehicle

F5.6, ISO 1600, 1/320

Any assistance in getting this better would be greatly appreciated.

[Hendri Venter]

Great sighting and I like the comp. Handheld a 500mm @ 1/320 you can be happy with the result.

[Michael Hogan]

Ken,

Great shot - do I remember those frozen mornings (and evenings) in Botswana. IMHO I think the problem is the DOF. With the colour of the Cheetah and background being very similar the Cheetah does not stand out. Maybe a bit of selective contract enhancement might improve but there is not much needed. I like the image and the lighting

TFS Michael

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Ken,
Awesome light and gaze!!! I do think this would be strengthened with a crop to the rear of the front leg......but that is one stunning portrait!:cheers:

[Danny J Brown]

This one has a soft, arty look that I love. This is an exquisite composition, in my opinon. Thanks.

DB

[DanWalters]

Beautiful light and nice soft colors. Love the color of the eyes as well.

[Ken Watkins]

Thanks to everybody for their positive comments in particular "soft focus":D

I will have a look at all the suggestions later.

Michael,

Hwange holds the record low temperature for Zimbabswe with -17 c being recorded near the airport, I would not have wished to be out on that day!

[Harshad Barve]

Love this Ken , those eyes are riveting
TFS