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Thread: Lion - has the mission

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Lion - has the mission

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    A little later on from Rachel's posting of one of the brothers and the ribs of the buffalo carcass.

    Thanks for either viewing or commenting on the previous image.


    Steve

    Subject: Male Lion (Panthera leo) with Buffalo kill
    Location: SA
    Camera: Canon 1DX
    Lens:200-400f/4 HH
    Exposure: 1/500s at f/5.6 ISO3200
    Original format: Portrait, very slight crop
    Processed: LR6 2015 & PS CC2015

    PS Rachel, sorry to hijack your title, but thought it apt

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    Hi Steve -- what a brilliant frame ! Nicely composed and excellent details ,especially in the lions mane and that buffalo kill adds so much to the image . TFS ! enjoyed this image a lot !

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Steve - No problem on the title. The comp works very well here and the bloody face adds to the image. Nice detail as always. Was he looking back at the dry riverbed or did you flip it?

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Hi Steve, a very nice composition with the ribs and the bloodied face. Colours are very realistic and sharpness and detail superb.
    TFS.

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    Hi Steve, like the composition and 'red' story of the frame. Well done DOF, sharp and natural colours. TFS.

    Cheers,
    Miro

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thanks folks, my only wish would have been better light, but you really (in this instance) needed to be there, to understand the lack of available light and 'access' to the sighting!!!


    did you flip it?
    Had to go back to the RAW, yes, as it sits better and as you know, I much prefer the subject to 'look into frame', rather than out, LOL.

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    Awesome image with the regal bearing of the lion and the detailed bloody ribs! It is so good that cameras are always improving with usable high ISO values so it is possible to get such a good image as ISO 3200. This looks totally great! Although, like you, I am more comfortable not having to resort to such a high ISO and hope the increased grain is not an issue.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Although, like you, I am more comfortable not having to resort to such a high ISO and hope the increased grain is not an issue.
    As I have said before, often you have to put your 'sensible hat on' and try an keep a happy balance with techs, however pushing things to 3200, 6400 is not an issue, especially if you get the exposure right, the gain (noise) can then be dealt easily with, if required in PP. The more you push things, the more you feel comfortable in doing so if the occasion arises and you will obtain that capture. Sharp too!

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Hello Steve,

    There is something about this lion image that makes it stand above some of those wonderful frames I have seen from you lately. It most probably has to do with the proud stance of the subject, a mightier-than-most creature towering over his kill and gazing far away into what I perceive to be a vast and beautiful landscape.

    My sense of awe for the species has often been augmented by the privilege of having had some intimate encounters, and I often feel emotion when revisiting some of those scenes I have captured. Interesting enough, at this very moment, and despite the fact that I am staring at a computer screen and am surrounded by man-made things ( espresso cup, books, mobile phone, laptop, and about a hundred colourful pens) I am pleasantly surprised to experience quite a strong connection with this superb male lion and his stubborn chin, even though I am only seeing his profile...I have to admit, a few moments ago I decided to play lion sounds (growls, roars, etc) to enrich my experience - some will think I am mad but recorded sound helped me write down my thoughts better, as well as diminished the bothersome roar of the generator near the house (we are experiencing load shedding)

    In a nutshell, I can safely say you have managed to capture beauty again, and I am happy to see you are able to do so ever so often despite season, light, or weather - great techs yes, superb PP skills, all mentioned above. What I would like to emphasize is your ability of making a conscious effort to notice through the view finder the elements in a particular scene and decide what is valuable and what not. It is easy for me nowadays to ensure a given frame is well exposed, also, some of the equipment allows for more extreme settings and the consequences I can deal with, but one precious thing I have learnt from you is to ask myself some questions before pressing that shutter, such as " where does the light come from and how does it fall on the subject?", or "why does that object look darker than the other?"...Some other questions too, at times answered only later while in the process of editing, but that's another story...

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Gabriela, I really do not know how I can answer you replies now, and it's all down to how you write your replies, the content, tone, emotion, passion etc and I don't think I'm alone, most members here on BPN have experience in some shape or form your replies and they are oh so different based on the image posted and all tailor made with thoughts, that is what makes the BIGGEST difference, they are unique. I really do wish I had time to try and compose a reply, but as you know I'm off to colder climates and so the finishing touches to packing are in place, the only thing is how the **** am I going to get three more lenses packed away ???

    Sorry to be so brief, compared to your replies & feedback .

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Aww, Steve - I did not expect a reply, thought you were already on your way :)

    Hmmm...you see...if you were visiting our side of the woods it would have been easy, no need to pack too much in terms of clothing and thus more space for lenses! We could lend you bean bags, tripods, a Wemberley gimbal, or a Benro gimbal. A light meter too Even warm jackets and stuff. Not sure about the Landcruiser , now with lion paws all over and ready for the next camping trip:)

    Have a safe trip, dear Steve! We shall miss you
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hold luggage, clothes and other bits 19kg, camera gear (bag) 32kg... plus laptop, two backups etc!!!

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    I'd rather go camping in Botswana, LOL...

    Will think of you, hope all goes well, be safe, and may all the wild things cross your path in good light!
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Lifetime Member Andre Pretorius's Avatar
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    Hi Steve

    Very powerful image, love it!
    Was he staring at Rachel's approaching lion, or all the camera gear?
    Regards

    Andre.

    www.gappimages.com

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