Savage Kingdom

[Steve Kaluski]

Firstly I make no apology in the usage of the title, taken from a superb documentary of life in Botswana.

I know Gabriela loves Hyenas and the pups are cute, but when they become adults they take on a far more sinister POV. However, they also play a very important role within the animal kingdom, the disposal of many, if not all of animal deaths by consuming not only the remnants of the left overs, but also the bones.

Not the greatest of images with some distracting elements, but it was the facial characteristic I liked here.

Thanks to those who viewed or commented on the previous posting.

Steve

Subject: Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) adult
Location: SA
Camera: Canon 1DX MKI
Lens: 500f/4 MKII with 1.4x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/320s at f/5.6 ISO3200
Original format: Landscape, almost FF width
Processed via: LR (Release 9) & PS2020

[Gabriela Plesea]

Good evening Steve,

Loved this image and enjoyed reading the introduction, very appropriate title. Indeed one of my favourite subjects to photograph and I take such pleasure observing the various aspects of their behaviour: they are cunning, relentless, fearless... incredible, unmistakable. Also curious, playful, and truly amazing mothers.

A powerful (killer) portrait Steve, and as you know I like getting close so this is right up my alley... That open mouth shows some massive teeth, by the way the hyena bite is the most powerful of all mammals, for its size - an amazing 800kg/sq cm.

Love the rich colours and tonality is superb, beautiful detail. Don't mind the ' distracting elements' because the most important features are there. Nice soft BG with lovely colours. Was she on a kill or perhaps returning from a night out? I see bits of blood on her face.
A well processed and presented image with so much to look at, thank you Steve

Warmest regards,

[Steve Kaluski]

Again, 'Old but Gold' so to speak Gabriela, but worth a punt & rework. I think he/she was returning back to the Den, just like the menacing, snarling look compared to the sweet, cute pups we see.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Loved the snarl, she was probably giving a message to the rest of the clan

Looks like a big mama, tattered ears and all - possibly the matriarch.

[Steve Kaluski]

Looks like a big mama, tattered ears and all - possibly the matriarch.

Could well be Gabriela.

Just love watching Savage Kingdom time and time again, but not a lover of Charles Dance's voice over. River of Dreams by Beverly & Dereck is still the best, just recorded their recent Documentary, just oh so good, breathtaking footage!!!!

[John Mack]

Really like the open mouth here. Shows off those teeth very nicely. Detail looks great per you usual. Framing is quite nice. Like the out of focus vegetation here.

[haseeb badar]

Hi Steve -- Not ideal settings , but terrific details and excellent PP work. I really liked this hyena portrait, works for me as presented. Loved the mood in this frame, and the savage features of this animal. Fine details and great field work.

Enjoyed viewing this image, TFS !

[Jonathan Ashton]

Wow that is a super shot terrific processing details are wonderful. Being hypercritical here but having seen some of your other images I suspect there is a little more detail to be had in the dark areas - nostril and under the nose (???)