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Thread: Focused Lion

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    Default Focused Lion

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    This male was actually staring at two of his sons about 100 yards away. Early morning light. It was time for them to leave the pride because of age and a little later he would force them to do so after offering futile resistance. Bitterpan, Kgalagadi, S.A.
    SOOC except for a slight lowering of highlights. Cropped for composition.

    D600 + Tamron 150-600 G2 @ 600mm.
    f/8 | 1/800s | 400 ISO | Handheld

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Tobie - Good to see you back and he's a large male in his prime. I like the light and you've controlled the hls well. The lower jaw looks a little funny where there is the mud. I'm not sure if it's just the mud or something else. The thick bush he chose to stand behind is unfortunate but not much you could do about it. Btw while you were gone posting sizes increased. I think most people are finding that posting about 1600px at the widest side is best for most viewers. Hope to see more soon and that you'll also add your thoughts about other images.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rachel Hollander View Post
    Hi Tobie - Good to see you back and he's a large male in his prime. I like the light and you've controlled the hls well. The lower jaw looks a little funny where there is the mud. I'm not sure if it's just the mud or something else. The thick bush he chose to stand behind is unfortunate but not much you could do about it. Btw while you were gone posting sizes increased. I think most people are finding that posting about 1600px at the widest side is best for most viewers. Hope to see more soon and that you'll also add your thoughts about other images. TFS, Rachel
    Thanks for the comments & the welcome back Rachel! It's nice to be back! Good to see that all the anchors of the group are still around!

    The lion walked up to our camp just after having a drink at a water hole so yes, it's mud around his mouth. I've seen a few images larger than the sizes still recommended for posts on the site so thought I'd not overdo it and go a little larger than the 1024px recommended (to 1200) but thanks, I'll keep that in mind for future shots. I have already added my thoughts to some images too...

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Tobie, I quite like the square format. it kind of works here.

    I'm wondering if moving left and more 'angled' to the Lion may have created a better POV, plus it would avoid the OOF branches, more distracting where they overlap on the mane and room to look into. The image appears quite contrasty and couple with the sharpening is creating a slightly crunchy appearance. When you look at say Sanjeev's images of Lions as a comparison, you can also see the structure and form of the face, this is sadly lacking here, albeit that the techs are quite close, something I think you would help here and provide a better portrait, as shooting at this distance and tight in, for me, is all about getting form, detail and texture to showcase these magnificent beasts.

    I think also by using layers you can get more light and shape in the mane and darkening the FG bush helps layer the image. Personally the image I think would benefit looking from the RHS, this has no detriment to the original capture/image, it just I think sits better in frame.

    TFS
    Steve

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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Hi Tobie, I quite like the square format. it kind of works here.

    I'm wondering if moving left and more 'angled' to the Lion may have created a better POV, plus it would avoid the OOF branches, more distracting where they overlap on the mane and room to look into. The image appears quite contrasty and couple with the sharpening is creating a slightly crunchy appearance. When you look at say Sanjeev's images of Lions as a comparison, you can also see the structure and form of the face, this is sadly lacking here, albeit that the techs are quite close, something I think you would help here and provide a better portrait, as shooting at this distance and tight in, for me, is all about getting form, detail and texture to showcase these magnificent beasts.

    I think also by using layers you can get more light and shape in the mane and darkening the FG bush helps layer the image. Personally the image I think would benefit looking from the RHS, this has no detriment to the original capture/image, it just I think sits better in frame.
    Steve, let me explain something: I was standing about 20 steps from this beast in an unfenced camp, albeit next to my tent-chalet's door and ready to disappear inside and zip up the door-flap if it paid any special interest in me! I was thus not going to move left or right other than for that reason alone, LOL! Had it turned its head slightly towards me then yes, it would have exposed a little more structure but I was quite content with him looking in any direction but at me at this moment in time. As far as PP goes - I support all of your suggestions, thanks for that!

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