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Thread: The Smothering

  1. #1
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default The Smothering

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    This one is for Steve...

    For the whole story: http://bit.ly/LionKill


    In continuation of the lion kill we saw in the Kalahari in November...I know photos like this aren't for everybody. I just found it fascinating to see how the one male, once he took over the eland (which was still alive at this point), started to play with it like a housecat would play with a mouse it had caught. Though images like this disturb those who don't want to see the antelope get hurt, it is a big part of the natural cycle of life in Africa, and story-telling images like this are what we wildlife photographers crave after.

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    Morkel Erasmus

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    An incredible sighting expertly captured Morkel! The "circle" of life is cruel, but also very beautiful!

    The soft light created lovely pastel colors here! ;)

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    Oh wow amazing moment here Morkel. The wrinkly face of the lion and helpless limp head of the antelope tell the whole story. Well captured

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Morkel - this is great action, well captured. One small thing, there's a brighter, golden streak on the lhs that I would tone down.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Awesome capture! I really like the lighting. The circle of life, some die so others might live. It is practiced by all whether they know it or not.

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    BPN Viewer Tom Graham's Avatar
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    Went to the web link you give. Great photos and great narrative.
    Tom

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    Wonderful moment. Sure its not for everyone but thats nature.

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    Fascinating capture Morkel, you are lucky to witness it. I like the image for its comp, clarity and the intense moment it portrays!
    great work. TFS.

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    BPN Member Anette Mossbacher's Avatar
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    Wonderful image Morkel, I agree with Rachel on that yellow stick on the LHS, I would tone it down as well or even get rid of it!

    Ciao
    Anette

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    Again, great series and story. That's how "they" dine in the wild
    TFS

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    A terrific action photo, perfect timing and moment captured.
    A bit more contrast for me would make it "pop" a bit more.
    Dan Kearl

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  22. #12
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Morkel, I like the clear view point of the image, and a fitting shot concluding an excellent series of images.

    Just looking at the Levels histogram I just wonder if pulling back the RH slider to around 235, then adding a mid tone adjustment might go towards what Dan has comment on? Not ideal viewing on the laptop, but the mane looks a little crunch, I just wonder if it a combination of ISO & Sharpening? I just tried cropping a little off the top, roughly taking a line on the last line of your © text, it tends to give a cleaner BKG, but no deal breaker

    The expression of the Lions face and front paw over the carcass, the legs of the kill pointing upwards, jaw open all combine to create a poignant moment, in the life & death within the bush.

    TFS
    Steve
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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  24. #13
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Thanks a lot for your kind compliments everyone...

    Steve, I already boosted contrast from the previous version you saw, and again was timid to lose that early morning "in the dust" feel as well. Will play around some more.
    Morkel Erasmus

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