Survival of Fittest - Wild dogs and Sambar

[vikram potdar]

Witnessed this high drama in the forest of Kabini near Bangalore in winter 2010.
The pack of 10 wild dogs was trying to hunt the Sambar fawn and the mother Sambar deer gave a tough fight.
The 90 min + tense moments are one the best wild life moments of my life.
Frustrated and exhausted the 10 wild dogs gave up and left the battle field, and the mother sambar deer won the fight.
Tech Specs -
Nikon D700
Lens - 70-200 f/2.8 @ 2.8
SS - 1/400, ISO - 250

[Morkel Erasmus]

This looks like an intense scene, Vikram.
Was there any chance to get closer - either via using another focal length lens or moving the vehicle?
Not that I'm saying I don't like it - I actually like the wider view with both dholes closing in from different directions. I was merely asking those questions to find out how you worked the scene and if there are any close-up action shots. I might tone down the overall sharpness of the forest especially above and behind the action, just cause it draws my eye a bit.
:bg3:

[Marc Mol]

Love the overall scene here Vikram, depicting the stand off nicely, something to cherish for sure.
Agree with Morkel on the BG habitat sharpness.
TFS

[EzhilSuresh]

Vikram, compelling picture.

[vikram potdar]

Thanks Morkel, Marc & Ezhil Suresh for the appreciation.
Yes reduction in sharpness is required.
I have some close-up shots with 200-400 lens will post those later.
Thanks

[Marina Scarr]

I like the story this capture tells and the wide view is different and is growing on me. We are so used to wanting up close wildlife photos that we forget how powerful wider angle photos can be. The environment really adds a lot too and I like the colors.

[Rachel Hollander]

Vikram - I agree, this really tells a compelling story. Good suggestion about sharpness. Looking forward to seeing some of the closer shots too.

TFS,
Rachel

[dankearl]

I like the big picture Landscape view, very attractive and cool looking scene.

[Ken Watkins]

I like the big picture Landscape view, very attractive and cool looking scene.

I agree entirely with this comment, what a wonderful experience for you