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Thread: Oooh, that itch

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Oooh, that itch

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    Another from a series of images we took at this Hyena den. Light faded fast in the evening, so getting to the den way ahead, set-up and then wait was key. Then, one by one the cubs would appear, the more time they spent out, the braver and more confident they became and paid no heed to our presence, which was nice.

    I was hoping in going for a relatively slow SS I would get more movement in the leg, not quite enough, but worth a try. I think I managed to retain his modesty.

    Thanks for swinging by and either viewing or commenting on the previous image.

    Steve

    Subject: Hyena cub (Crocuta crocuta), sitting down, scratching, just outside den
    Location: SA
    Camera: Canon 1DX
    Lens: 200-400f/ 262mm HH
    Exposure: 1/250s at f/5.6 ISO800
    Original format: Portrait, full width, cropped on height

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    BPN Member Anette Mossbacher's Avatar
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    HI Steve,

    I knew it, that poor Hyena got a flea from you right at the ear. Sounds very familiar
    As usual details are "okay" for your style but would do the bright light behind the head a tad darker. I would just look how that comes over. Hope the itching stopped
    The fur on the neck looks like you jumped down the jeep to give it a fast brush

    Have a great eve

    Ciao
    Anette

  3. #3
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    ...just when I thought you and Rachel have exhausted all your hyena images...

    ...Hello Steve,

    I once told Rachel how fond I was of these guys...They can be brave, charming, reckless, smelly, fun, also mean, the best mothers and nannies, and also the cutest puppies - they are anything you want them to be, depending on the situation. Perhaps one of the most versatile and adaptable creatures in the wild, from what I have seen.

    This image shows this youngster as rather vulnerable, for Mother Nature does not spare them of those pests called fleas or whatever bothered this little guy at the time you took this image:) In terms of techs this is spot-on for me, sharp as needed and the pose is adorable, I think this is one fun shot as well as memorable - enjoyed viewing and yes wondering how on earth you got such good IQ at 1/250s...a steady hand or tripod?

    Love that gentle last light barely touching your subject as well as the BG, any chance to see more from this sighting?

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    The eye, ears & head are captivating and I love how the fading light from the bkgd slides over the face and gently touches the foreground. I was so focused on the light and head with the white ruff that I didn't see the dark scratching leg at first. But I easily saw the vulnerable position of the pup and his cuteness, regardless of species. Great capture!

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Steve - They were fun sightings especially when the light was good, even if Selby didn't care for hyenas. I like the sort of dreamy, far off look in the eye. Details and pov are good as usual. I too didn't notice the paw scratching until I read your intro and I was there. Was this the cub that also kept licking himself? If so, you did a good job avoiding that particular part of the anatomy.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Nice gold dappled light, the colours look perfect. I can see what you were trying to achieve by getting motion blur on the legs but I don't think it's a deal; breaker at all.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Steve even if not fully get your expectation fulfilled , this is quite a nice one with a funny pose of the little Hyena . IQ and processing as expected , so no surprise , can you not experiment more and post something less good that i can find some stuff to pull your legs .
    I like the tonality and colors you extracted from your file ..... nice and smooth gradation in the tones .
    I only wish for a bit more DOF even if the important stuff is in the focal plane .

    TFS Andreas

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    Hi Steve, love the dappled light and the colors. Good sharpness. Do you have a little more room on left and top? The image is a bit too square for me, but that is personal taste. TFS. Loi

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    Lifetime Member Charleen Ratcliff's Avatar
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    What a super shot! I like hyenas and they do seem to be quite photogenic. The golden light is brilliant as his expression! Perhaps a bit more room for him on the left? but that is just me and I am fairly new at this!

  10. #10
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Steve, just loving the tones and the subtle light here, great pose too.
    Cute, aren't they?
    Morkel Erasmus

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