Leopard Portrait

[Charles Glatzer]

This image is copyrighted material as indicated, and is watermarked!

Moremi, Botswana

1D Mark III , 500mm w/1.4x
Manual, spot off log, 1/125 @ f/5.6, ISO 1600
Post-production- CS5, NIK

See you where there is light, or at the computer

Chas

[Hilary Hann]

Hi Chas, I like this as presented. The casual pose of the leopard along with its very clear, bright eyes make it a wonderful animal portrait and the strong diagonal lines of the tree branch in the background add to the composition.

Do you find the spot metering easy to manage in the field? I've tried it a few times but am not happy with my results at present.

[Robert Amoruso]

Great sharpest in the face and eyes, Pose also caused the paws to be in focus and that was a nice plus.

Chas, just to expand on the spot-metering for those not using it. What adjustment did you make here? Given that the log is close to middle gray and the soft light of the scene, you used the metered exposure. Possibly increasing it using a Expose to the Right method pushing the highlights up on the histogram. Depending upon the scenes dynamic range, amount of shadow, etc. I would not necessarily increase exposure to push whites right if that increases their tonal value above what they actually are.

Hilary, Once you understand correct spot metering technique, it can make a big difference in your photography. I hope Chas does not mind but to paraphrase, it is another crayon in the box.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Robert, I'll need to do some more practise with it and experiment a little more before I feel comfortable that I'll get acceptable results.

[Tim Rucci]

Wow, this is one sweet image, Chas. I can't find anything not to like about it. Thanks for sharing a look.

[Ken Watkins]

Beautiful Leopard, beautifully captured.

[Ignacio Yufera]

The pose and expression are so perfect, almost feels like a studio shot... Lovely soft light too.

[Rachel Hollander]

Absolutely gorgeous shot!

TFS,
Rachel

[Nico Steenberg]

Great sharp detail and exposure spot on. Super IMG ;)