Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: Leopard's afternoon stroll

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default Leopard's afternoon stroll

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    I'm fairly certain this is Vombra's father (the young male leopard I posted in 'walkabout'), a full grown male Leopard in his prime, but I'm sure Rachel will correct me if I'm wrong.

    Some people have hang ups about roads, and yes, in an ideal world it's better shot in a lovely green stretch, but given the choice of photographing a Leopard or not, some nice soft sand to walk on and where your presence can be masked/silent, well I too would choose the road. In full prime this Leopard was awesome and just out for his afternoon patrol.

    Thanks for either viewing or commenting on the previous image.

    Steve

    Subject: Male Leopard (Panthera pardus) on patrol, sandy track, mid afternoon
    Location: SA
    Camera: Canon 1DX
    Lens: 200-400f/4 with ext, 560mm
    Exposure: 1/1250s at f/5.6 ISO800
    Original format: Portrait, crop from the top
    Subject distance: 21m

  2. #2
    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    14,320
    Threads
    929
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Steve - I can't tell which day you took this one because the data is scrubbed but I'm pretty sure this is actually the Vomba Young Male rather than his father. Compare the scratch/scar on the nose in this image to the one on the Vomba Young Male in your "The Gaze" image. Although the mid-afternoon timing is throwing me. Nice walking pose and I like the sidelight hitting the eye as well as the gaze on something off in the distance. It works for me whichever leopard it is.

    TFS,
    Rachel

  3. #3
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I had a sneaking suspicion it was Vomba Rachel, but the size just threw, he just seems so massive. It was from the same series a few of you have .

  4. #4
    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    14,320
    Threads
    929
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    He was fairly big but I think the lack of nicks in the ears also points to Vomba. If I recall, his dad was really huge and showed the signs of many skirmishes.

  5. #5
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Pune, Maharashtra, India
    Posts
    7,409
    Threads
    469
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Classic. Love the walking pose and his cool stare. Absolutely superb composition.

    Regards,
    Satish.

  6. #6
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Cody, WY
    Posts
    2,491
    Threads
    428
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    This is a great looking leopard in really nice light and in the open (something I've rarely seen). What's not to like. Well composed and executed. If it was mine I may soften the tire tracks in the lower right.. The trail/road itself is fine by me!

  7. #7
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Satish thank you so much, it's nice to see you in this 'pond', it would be great if you had any wildlife images you could share too, we don't bite .

    Thanks Dale, yes it seems the tyre takes is what everyone picks up on, I think over the years I've just 'parked' them in the back of my mind, just have to be gentle with that ridge, needs to be subtle, but effective. I wonder if Rachel & I could tempt you out to spending some time with some Leopards and of course, other species.

    Steve

  8. #8
    BPN Viewer Steve Canuel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    5,444
    Threads
    444
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Hi Steve,
    Nice soft colors and surroundings with the perfect amount of sharpening for me. No problem with the trail/road although if you could soften the tread marks I'd do so. Just seems to remove the touch of man and make it into a game trail.

  9. #9
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Cody, WY
    Posts
    2,491
    Threads
    428
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Hi Satish thank you so much, it's nice to see you in this 'pond' . I wonder if Rachel & I could tempt you out to spending some time with some Leopards and of course, other species.

    Steve
    Working on that all ready

  10. #10
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Awesome!!!!

  11. #11
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Somewhere in Africa
    Posts
    3,723
    Threads
    251
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Great light, pose and shooting angle. Lovely stuff and I have little else to add.

  12. #12
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks Dumay, however I feel you maybe waiting in the wings to pullout an even better one, like a Leopard, your just biding your time , hope all is good.

  13. #13
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Hyderabad, India
    Posts
    5,088
    Threads
    1,356
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    I like this a lot Steve. Very nice walking pose with the raised paw, nice side lighting and comp. Spot on colours & techs.

  14. #14
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    14,858
    Threads
    1,235
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Love the angle, view through the grasses and the afternoon light here.
    Pleasing pose too.
    I do think it can stand a hint more sharpening as presented, Steve?
    I have made my peace with predators on sand tracks and will photograph them walking on it every time I see it
    Morkel Erasmus

    WEBSITE


  15. #15
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Somewhere in the world
    Posts
    20,551
    Threads
    1,285
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Thanks everyone.

    I do think it can stand a hint more sharpening as presented, Steve?
    Cheers Morkel, but I think it's OK, if I did it would have to be retro applied, something I would try to avoid, it's at the printed stage I'm always interested in.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics