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Hilary, this is just so cool. Great eye contact, the tongue, the details and light. All excellent. I would have liked more room to the right, the lion is a bit too centered I think. Super Shot indeed.
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Thanks Sanjeev, I have room to the right but chose to centre the cat to strengthen the eye contact, but appreciate the feed back.
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Wildlife Moderator
Hi Hilary, with the body posture, for me, I would have positioned the subject to the right with more space to the left, just feel the central POV a little boring, or going with a central POV then using a portrait format, easy with the 1DX AF. Nice eye contact and tongue visible. Good detail/sharpness, and body form. Adjusting the whites in Levels to around 240 before it clips, may help?
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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Thanks Steve, I can see that everyone will have the same dilemma that I had … which crop works best. I will say that I tried her on the left, on the right and vertical but this worked best for me with her eye contact. It is, however, a pretty traditional image and as such will always be a little boring no matter where I put her, in my opinion. I will try the whites and see … thanks.
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Lifetime Member
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Lifetime Member
Hi Hilary - great eye contact and warm light. Good suggestions above but the central placement isn't a deal breaker for me. It's all about the body posture, eye contact, tongue and those big paws. Nice detail. Looks like you are enjoying the 200-400.
TFS,
Rachel
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Thanks Marc and Rachel.
Yes, the 200-400 is a nice lens but secretly I enjoy my 70-200 more.
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Wildlife Moderator
It is, however, a pretty traditional image and as such will always be a little boring no matter where I put her, in my opinion.
Hi Hilary, it's always easy to comment on an image and make suggestions for example in cropping, however when 'out in the field' it's a different matter, with often frustrating restrains on achieving the image you want, oppose to what we actual get. Like your critiques, you have a good eye and probably a lot more knowledge since last you posted on here, so in using a words like boring, pedestrian, safe, the norm, hopefully you know where I am coming from
. The 200-400 is a stonking lens and certainly IMHO, slightly different in shooting technique compare to a fixed lens, as it gives you so much more flexibility, especially with the drop in 1.4, but it may also mean you need to think more.
Regarding the whites, I can't say if it helps or not as I am working on the laptop, but they do fall short on the Histogram so 240 is the cut off point, where it's applied ie global or selective is your call.
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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a beautiful shot of a majestic cat Hilary.
the choice of crop, whether horizontal or vertical is often down to personal preference and with an image like this you have the choice of going either way.
I like the centered position because for me it allows the eyes to really lock on.
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BPN Member
Hi Hilary,
I see here the crop is a big discussion. I personally do not mind this good looking lioness in the center. Have read that you tried out already all kinds of crop, well that this must be it for you 
I really do love the details, the eye contact and tongue. Looks fantastic.
Have a great day
Ciao
Anette
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Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator
Dear Hilary,
This is one brilliant capture and I love the subject's pose! Well processed and lovely colours, sharp where need be. Hope to see more from you
Kind regards,
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Super shot and love the eye contact at that low angle! Must say I do not mind the lioness being in the center as her right leg and paw being stretched out balance the comp nicely!
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Thank you everyone for your thoughtful comments. Some of these things are very subjective but all views are helpful.
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BPN Member
This is so cool, i think.
All comes together for me.
I think Steve is right with the whites, and then it is more than cool. Well done , Hillary.
TFS Andreas
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BPN Member
Lovely eye contact and setting/sighting here Hilary. Sharpness and clarity are spot on!
I would keep her central but would crop from the sides...and perhaps add a hint of CCW rotation (to get the eyes level)?
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