Masego is truly a beauty! And she is probably the most popular, most frequently observed leopard in the Kalahari. She has survived for three months on her own after mom Miera's departure and she did struggle a bit at first, but recent news confirm she is strong and healthy these days. Masego does not shy away from humans and cars, and even climbs on the roof of vehicles on occasion to search the surroundings for prey. Not sure this is a good thing but there is not much one can do about it. This young female grew up followed and often pestered by people but somehow she does not seem to mind: I guess this is her way of coping and adapting to this situation.
Myself and Andre first discovered Masego in February this year. It was during an early morning drive and we had the privilege to observe her from a distance. The next day we saw her again, she was hiding under a large tree in the riverbed and contemplating a hunt. We waited for some time for things to happen but eventually left, a bit disappointed as the kill never materialised although intention was there (stalking). One more sighting occurred the following day, this time with both her and Miera present at a springbok kill. We did capture a number of wonderful moments there! Later missed a few exceptional sightings of the two playing, yet we still believe we did the right thing avoiding the area for the rest of our stay, allowing others to enjoy and not adding to the stress of the animals.
Nikon D4
Nikon 500F4
ISO 3200
F5.6
1/2000s
+0.3EV
This is an earlier experiment in terms of PP work and perhaps some of you might find it a bit extreme. I do hope you take some time to look, kindly let me know what you think.
Hi Gabriela, I like the hi key to this and the fact the Leopard is looking up. The shooting angle might be a bit steep, but here I think it's OK. Not having the vegetation over the face/whiskers would have been better as it distracts from the overall look & feel. Having the head turn more to the right so you see both eyes may have created a more compelling image.
Good to see you exploring different techniques, but always be the driver, not the software.
Hi Gabriela - She is a beautiful leopard. I also like the looking up pose and the wide eyes. I am curious if you shot this high key or if all of it was done in the conversion and pp? I think it may be more appropriate in OOTB.
Hi Gabriela -- By the intro of your image i think this is more of a PP work rather than in camera and on field improvisation but i may be wrong . The Leopard looking upwards makes for a lovely pose and those wide stretched eyes are really appealing to me , nonetheless this experiment of yours truly looks quite amazing .
Thank you friends, appreciate your feedback and will take your comments into consideration when processing the next one.
Steve, I thought there was a chance you'd like this! And I agree with you regarding HA, indeed a pity about the "almost visible but not quite " R eye.
Rachel and Haseeb, this was certainly not shot as high key. It was taken in difficult lighting conditions and I managed to expose the subject correctly, also ended up with a very light, soft BG but not overexposed.
The result here was achieved with PP work. Rachel, should you feel the frame is more suitable for OOTB, kindly move it for me
Gabriela, great to see you here in OOTB! Love the sketch-like look to this beautiful girl! The details in her face and those eyes are arresting. If this is a crop from the original, I think I would like just a bit more of her body and a bit less empty space in front of her, especially since she is looking up and not ahead. The vegetation is a small distraction, but since it is so light, it is not much of an issue.
I'm very glad this was moved to OOTB as I most likely wouldn't have seen it otherwise. Presumably the high contrast drawing attention to the face was due to your processing. It works extremely well. The tonal range is excellent. This is a very compelling image.
Gabriela, I'm sooo glad this was moved to OOTB - It's gorgeously done and I love her expression. I could see a crop from the bottom right above your signature which would eliminate some of the vegetation but I love it just the way it is as well. Please come back with more
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly" - The Little Prince
You are too kind! I will certainly come back with more, in fact I might surprise you and return very soon:) Still trying to figure out how to think more OOTB, as well as formulate appropriate comments for the threads in this Forum. Feels like swimming in unknown territory, but I am sure it will be fun. I thank you from the heart for such a warm welcome
A beautiful animal and photo and the high key treatment is superb. For me, this work of art should be in a museum somewhere...
Sir Arthur
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Gabriela, I'm sooo glad this was moved to OOTB - It's gorgeously done and I love her expression. I could see a crop from the bottom right above your signature which would eliminate some of the vegetation but I love it just the way it is as well. Please come back with more
I disagree with my friend Cheryl as the image as presented is perfectly balanced (top and bottom especially).
a
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Unarguably Beautiful Masego
Originally Posted by Cheryl Slechta
