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Thread: Leopard (Kruger National Park)

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Default Leopard (Kruger National Park)

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    Kruger Park, September 2020. Carl and I were lucky to spot this beautiful leopard male and watch him stalk a pair of grey duikers. It was extremely hot and he gave up rather quickly, perhaps he wasn't that hungry after all.

    Heat haze made it quite difficult for photography, nevertheless here is one frame I managed to capture as he walked towards the water to quench his thirst.

    Nikon D5
    Nikon 500 mm F4
    ISO 640
    F5
    +1/3 EV
    1/2000s

    Processed in LR and PSCC. A slight crop to straighten image. Definitely not my best but thought I'd share because it's not often that one sees such a beautiful beast. Subject was in superb condition and very relaxed in our presence.

    Thank you kindly for your time to view as well as comments on my previous images, much appreciated!

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wow thats one huge male. Look at the size of the neck! Nice setting and composition. The heat is almost palpable Gabriela. Nice capture.

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    Hy Gabriela, very nice picture despite the harsh light and the heat haze. I like the fact that you didnt crop too much, the FG and the BG tell the story of the environement as well. I like the position of the leppard, he looks like he is catching his breath after a fruitless chase.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    He's a gorgeous boy and Carls a very nice chap too.

    The Leopard looks in prime condition, with a solid posture, do you know how hold he is? Overall colours look good. Techs look good, personally I would have just gone to f/5.6 not much in it, just like it. Perhaps a 16x9 loosing the top, but I would clone the highlights.

    Homework will be set today.

    TFS
    Steve
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Gabriela ... really nice male , glad to hear he gave you time to shoot .
    I do like the wide open space with no distractions .
    Nice colors ( might drop some oranges in the coat ) and well controlled contrast and tones .... you made the most out of the backlit scene . I do almost think you " lifted " the shadow side of the subject a bit too much .... personal pref .
    Any NR used ?? If so ... I might temper it .

    Nice one

    TFS Andreas

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you very much for your comments, I really appreciate them. Will look into your suggestions and implement changes if necessary. BTW my homework is done, Steve

    And yes a huge male and quite stunning, in superb condition. Not much tooth wear and ears intact, no scars either. I suppose he not that old, just eating very well My guess would be... about 6 to 7 years old, Steve. Best if I ask Carl, he was involved in leopard research for many years and knows the species intimately.

    Hope you all have a wonderful week-end,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Gabriela, 6-7 looks about right, what a solid neck, reminds me of the Cayman eating Jaguar, scarface!

    Homework, just hand it in on Sunday ready for marking on Monday.

    Have a great weekend and regards to Carl.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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

    I will do so! And shall return with news and greetings from the wilderness. Meanwhile, you might receive the odd message containing cellphone images of whoever crosses my path

    And yes Sunday night is perfect, gives me time to practice and make it perfect

    Have a stunning week-end,

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    What a super shot Gabriela, love the processing, he is a real whopper, just about the biggest leopard I have seen.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you very much Jon,

    Indeed those Kruger leopards are stunning. I have a number of images from various sightings but all of them a bit 'busy' in terms of vegetation, will try find something worth sharing
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Nice, one heck of a specimen.Huge cat and he looks hot with the panting. I think you did very well with the conditions.Yes I would loose the highlights. TFS

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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    Love this one Gabriela,

    what a superb male here, such a bonus in getting him out in the open, agree on removing the BG HL's but that hardly detracts from a great portrait, seeing there is still quite a bit of pink in that nose, he's likely no older than 6 yrs,

    and if that is accurate, he has plenty more years to build on an already impressive physic!

    TFS


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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you very much Kevin and Marc, appreciated!
    Gabriela Plesea

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    What a fine looking Leopard specimen, loved it.

    I liked the framing with nice spacing all around. Very nice handling of light and colour / tones appear right on the mark.

    This image makes me want to visit Africa , loved the place and its inhabitants .

    TFS !

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Many thanks Haseeb, for taking the time to view and kind comments:) Kruger Park is awesome and the environment is stunning, wildlife so abundant. And yes lots of sightings... just ask Jon, he has been there:)

    The only problem is people...Not everyone appreciates and respects wildlife so at times quite frustrating, you have to have lots of patience. Despite my friendly nature I must admit I have 'short fuses' and little tolerance for certain individuals who disobey the park rules.

    Should you ever decide to book a trip to the Kruger National Park I would be too happy to help with the itinerary, just let me know

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    The only problem is people...Not everyone appreciates and respects wildlife so at times quite frustrating, you have to have lots of patience.
    Both Haseeb & Sanjeev will create some wonderful Karma for you Gabriela I know, if you think Kruger can be frustrating then wait until you hit some of the Indian reserves and your first sighting of a Canter!!!!
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Both Haseeb & Sanjeev will create some wonderful Karma for you Gabriela I know, if you think Kruger can be frustrating then wait until you hit some of the Indian reserves and your first sighting of a Canter!!!!
    I would not survive the crowds Steve, no matter how lovely or special the sighting:)

    Been looking at doing something different in 2022, so we'll see...By the way, last night I had a chat with a very close friend (I think you met Peter, or spoke to him once), he asked if I would join him and family on a trip to Antarctica for his daughter's 30th birthday... But it's the wrong Pole, aargh, no bears there!
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    You need to ask him about ‘the crossing’ and are you sea sick!!!!
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Read about 'the crossing' And I have pills for 'sea sick'
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Thanks Gabriela for your reply.

    Whenever I plan for Kruger , will definitely contact you , not better person in my knowledge than you.

    And if you come down to India, you first have to see some big cities and then you will automatically become accustomed to crowds. But on a serious note, you can have quiet sightings with tigers , depends on your team in the forest.

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    A wonderful view of this beautiful leopard. His body is very filled out. Look at that neck. This does remind me of a hot day.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Thank you Haseeb and John, much appreciated
    Gabriela Plesea

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