For those who have not seen my previous image of this Caracal, I would like to tell you that she has a happy life in a game reserve where she is free to roam around as she pleases even though she grew up in captivity.
Lumi hunts outdoors during the day but often pitches up in the afternoons at my friend's house. I was ecstatic when she arrived last Sunday, was hoping to see her but didn't think I would be so lucky. As I followed her around to capture some images I noticed she stopped under a bush and froze. I approached carefully and saw she was staring at a snake (possibly a Forest Cobra) busy swallowing another snake (could not identify the latter, since all I could see was his green underside). Lumi was so focused on what was going on... I slowly took a few steps backward and shot a few frames from a lower point of view, careful to avoid the vegetation around and trying to keep the afternoon sky behind her for a clean background.
Lumi is truly beautiful, I tried my best to capture her lovely features and stunning colouring of her fur. Around here the species is also called "Rooi Kat", or Red Cat. She is athletic and powerful and would retaliate when challenged by another creature, be it one much larger than herself. I guess she took a liking to me, after just two meetings I can get as close to her as I wish. I am so privileged and so enchanted that I could write many pages to tell you what she is like, but I think the best way to do so is to show you this image...
Nikon D4
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8
ISO 2200
F6.3
1/1250
PS As I uploaded this image I noticed the BG was somewhat uneven. It looked like a hallo at first but it seems to occur in places, not just near the cat. Will look into it, not sure what caused this. Will RP if you so wish after I sort it out, let me know if you think it is bothersome. I would appreciate your comments and critique.
Kind regards,
Last edited by Gabriela Plesea; 11-26-2014 at 01:56 PM.
Reason: Omitted details
Hi Gabriela, probably the best Caracal I have seen posted on here, albeit captive.
A fantastic portrait, great detail with a lovely depth overall to the subject, got to love those ears, similar to Lynx another great subject to photograph too. DoF looks spot on, likewise the PP which has the look of a very 'light' hand and perhaps the best image you have posted based on this. A cracking image and one you should be proud to have hanging on the wall, BIG too. Like the way it looks into frame.
This is absolutely stunning. Technically perfect, and the mesmerized look of the caracal in this portrait makes it very special. I might consider adding just a little contrast to the left eye (right for us viewers).
Hey Gabriela this is from the technical POV the best image you posted so far . Also from aesthetic POV it works so well . Nice color and tone with fantastic depth in the range.And that detail , just stunning.
Well you should transfer this way to some other images . Only that BG does look slightly pinkish , if my eyes are not lying .
So i lift my head , i bet this will be a candidate for IOTW .
Hi Gabriela - Well your gaining her trust has certainly paid off. It's great she has allowed you to get close and you have maximized the opportunity. This is a simply stunning portrait with great detail and pp. I wouldn't change a thing including the pinkish bg. I agree blow it up and hang it on the wall. Congrats on this one.
Beautiful Gabriela... I Love the intensity you have captured... Fantastic... I have one question, seeing we are so engaged with her eyes and the intent within, would this image benefit from the reflections in her eyes being removed or reduced..? would we become more engaged with clearer eyes??? I don't know the answer, just putting it out there.. wonderful as it is anyway..
This is an absolutely beautiful image. I love the sharpness, detail and color of the image. Cropping is right on. Can't help but stare at the eyes. I would like to see a comparison of this image with a darker background that draws more attention to the cat? Just a thought. Thats it! I'm moving to South Africa!
This is a beautiful portrait.
Excellent IQ and I like the crop you chose.
Great story and I am not so sure I would have stuck around if I was anywhere near a snake!!
Gail
You have captured the moment well here and I agree with Steve's comment on your PP work. When I first looked at this, I too thought it to be subtle, light touches working here.Your best caracal shot for me. Excellent WD
I do admit I crave such praise from you every now and then:)
People ask me "Why do you post your images on that website?" To this I have a few answers: I post to learn, I post to share special moments, I post for the thrill I get when uploading and knowing the feedback is coming....I thank you all, I am so grateful you acknowledge my efforts and truly appreciate your suggestions above - I shall look into them.
Lumi: A Portrait of a Red Cat (C)
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. Only that BG does look slightly pinkish , if my eyes are not lying .
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