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Thread: Scent of A Lion

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Default Scent of A Lion

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    To the male lion the tree trunk is sometimes a card announcing the arrival of a lioness or a rival male in his territory. The signs he deciphers could bring about pleasant ideas of an intense and special encounter or concerns about the presence of another powerful male...I never tire of watching this awesome beast and its roars are something I wear myself out trying to imitate...But what I hoped at this sighting was to capture a few images that would inspire you to wonder what are his thoughts, and what is he doing resting his chin against the tree.

    Nikon D5
    Nikon 500F4
    ISO 1250
    F7.1
    1/1600s

    Thank you so much for viewing. I sincerely hope you are not too tired of my experiments. Or my subjects. My love for lions has no limits - they inspire me endlessly

    Warmest regards,
    Last edited by Gabriela Plesea; 03-21-2018 at 04:20 PM.
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Pretty neat frame. I did not know that about lions. The details look great. My first though was maybe he is getting ready to climb the tree.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Really like this one too Gabriela, totally different to what we normally see, stocking detail, probably the best from you with the D5. Nice techs.

    I might get you to try something, but lets see if anyone else picks up on it.

    Looks like the trip is producing some neat stuff.

    TFS
    Steve

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Gabriela - This is one where the thumbnail really doesn't do the image justice. I too like this a lot. Excellent colors, tones and details. Only thing I wonder about is whether you should rotate ccw to straighten the tree edge. Is this ff?

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Love the "clean" file, wonderful detail rendition. I flipped the image but I think it looks good this orientation. Also tried monochrome but I prefer the colour.

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    Lifetime Member Mike Poole's Avatar
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    Great behavioural aspect to this, shot, very different from the more regular shots. Lovely colours, and details, a winner from my perspective

    Mike

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you so much John, Steve, Rachel and Jon

    Glad you like this. And sorry I took so long to reply, I had a hectic day at work I do have a number of frames from this sighting, some with a very interesting pose from this lion. I might even have some taken with the D850 or the D4, Steve.

    Rachel this is not FF, I'd say about 50 % of the frame. Sorry, I never think of mentioning that when I post...There was a log in front of the lion (on the ground) which I cropped out. I really wanted to get close, the OOF log not much of an issue to me as I have other frames taken from a different angle - I just liked the expression from the lion here.

    The tree trunk is slightly bent, I agree it does creates the impression there is a need to straighten the frame. I did consider this option and tried it. Eventually decided against it because in doing so I was altering the position of the lion's head (the tilt) and the trunk - not sure how to explain this? - had an almost artificial look, for a Kalahari tree. There are some awesome camelthorn trees in the dry river bed in Mata Mata area, and quite ancient too. Most of them have been bent in the most unique ways by strong winds during massive storms and some grow crooked and sideways. My decision not to straighten the image was not about presenting things "as they were", I guess I am simply comfortable with the image as is, being so familiar with the environment.

    Jon, I will try a B/W and see what happens. Curious what Steve has in mind

    And now let me see what else is lying in those folders...

    Hope you all have a super evening,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you so much Mike:)

    Sorry, I guess I was replying at the same time you posted your comments!

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Brilliant detail in this one Gabriela and I love the feint pink wash in the background which is unusual but quite attractive. I did wonder about the trunk angle too so thanks for the comments on that. Little I'd change here so interested to hear what Steve's idea is.

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    Hi Gabriela -- You are making me drool over your Lion images , this is another cracking frame with fantastic details . Loved the behavioural aspect of the image , the big cats look so good doing this routine. Loved the BKG as well with slight pinkish tinge to it as mentioned above . Really loved this one . TFS !

    I wonder will it make any difference if you happen to flip the image ?

    TFS !

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you so much dear Glenn and Haseeb:)

    Glenn, I am working on another version, will share soon. Haseeb, it certainly will make a difference. But I think it looks nicer with lion entering frame from the RHS

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    But I think it looks nicer with lion entering frame from the RHS
    Without question.

    I would also keep the tree trunk angle as that was it's 'natural' position and adds interest being slightly at an angle too.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Hello Friends,
    This is to wish you all a lovely week-end

    Here is a slightly different version of this frame...

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Hi Gabriela, am late to this one but better late than never. I love the gorgeous detail and sharpness with soft lighting. The pose is awesome and the RP is even better. TFS.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gabriela Plesea View Post
    Hello Friends,
    This is to wish you all a lovely week-end

    Here is a slightly different version of this frame...

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela, this one looks a little thin tonally and the pink wash behind is less obvious - I actually like the OP better in this instance.

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  18. #16
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Glad to have your opinions, dear Sanjeev and Glenn - thank you so much
    Gabriela Plesea

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