Meerkat Manor - 2

[Steve Kaluski]

I deliberately want this shot without the front paws. For me its all about the 'classic' head angle (looking down with the dog like face), the detail, but mainly the texture of the fur. In addition I found photographing these 'guys', if the light isn't right, the eyes can look like empty eye socks, very haunting!!!! Shot on foot, lying on the ground, nice to be able to get in amongst them, especially when they all set off to forage.

Thanks to those who posted or viewed on the last posting.

Steve

Subject: Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) warming up
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 200-400f/4 MKII HH
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/7.1 ISO1000
Original format: Landscape, almost FF
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2018

[keith mitchell]

Steve from Meerkats to Polar Bears you do have a great life.This is superb to my eyes ,the fur as a beautiful texture and looks so soft and natural,could not find a nit if I looked all day,wonderful!

Keith.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hello stanger, I trust all is good Keith & Mrs M is looking after you? Hope to see you posting an image.

Many thanks for the kind words, occasionally you just need to wonder off the usual path, but not too far, just a change or some simple variety. Perhaps I may try to get some Marmots for you, just to keep the mix going...

Cheers
steve

[keith mitchell]

Perhaps I may try to get some Marmots for you, just to keep the mix going....

That would be good Steve you know I like the little creatures .

Afraid I have only got some old stuff at the moment.

[John Mack]

Very nice. Good pose on the meerkat and the light is nice. Killer background. What is your opinion on removing the second catchlight?

[Steve Kaluski]

What is your opinion on removing the second catchlight?

It's there John and natural, some folk add them in, however IMHO they stay, thanks.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Mr Steve....
Simply gorgeous ....nothing to criticize or suggestions to make it better .
Lovely soft color and tonal palette ...stunning BG and tons of detail , perfectly edited !!!!!
Really good work !!!!!
Would take this a reference for a solid portrait !!!

Cheers Andreas

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Steve - I'm guessing you really enjoyed Tswalu and am anxiously awaiting your posts of the target species. This is a beautiful portrait and I agree with you about the light and the meerkats. I understand your point about the paws but my first thought upon opening the image and before reading your intro was, where are the paws. I still feel like they are missing with most of the front leg/arm in the image up to the wrist. Instead I think if you crop a little higher, at the elbow/knee joint then the missing paws are not an issue. But as with everything else a matter of personal taste and choice.

TFS,
Rachel

[Steve Kaluski]

At £1000 per day, per person, everyone has to enjoy it Rachel.

[/QUOTE] I still feel like they are missing with most of the front leg/arm in the image up to the wrist.[/QUOTE]

All in good time Rachel, all in good time...

[Rachel Hollander]

And their 2019 rates are almost $500 dollars higher

[Steve Kaluski]

And their 2019 rates are almost $500 dollars higher

That then covers the complete rebuild for this year, so two people, five nights, it wasn't cheap.

[Jay Shah]

Classic SK image. Perfect light. creative crop. Great details. Perfect perfect PP.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Stunning portrait dear Steve,

I just love this little fellow

A well composed image, light is gorgeous, wonderful pose, detail is superb. Great POV.

Tswalu is indeed expensive but offers photographic opportunities that are hard to match. I am really looking forward to see more from this trip

Warmest regards,

[haseeb badar]

Truly a fantastic image Steve . No nits for me whatsoever. Just loved it. TFS !

[Andrew McLachlan]

Another great capture Steve! Love it as presented!

[Basil Dardagan]

Love the image. The detail is next level and is accentuated by a killer background