Ingulule

[Gabriela Plesea]

'Ingulule' is the name for Cheetah in isiZulu (language spoken in Kwazulu Natal/ South Africa where I live).

This lovely young male is part of a coalition of three and I recently had the privilege to spend some time with them as well as captured a few images while they interacted and occasionally groomed each other. Grooming or head rubbing is said to help reinforce social ties. Strong coalitions are more successful when hunting so I hope those three manage to hold their territory for a number of years. On a few occasions I saw them scent-marking a particular tree by spraying urine and also defecating after climbing up the tree.

It is summer here now and temperatures soared over the past few weeks. While most predators have been seeking shelter under trees and shrubs my three cheetah boys remained quite active during the day, albeit they do prefer the cool of early mornings and evenings.

This image was taken on the 28th of November around 6 pm and because the light was fading I had to up the ISO a bit. At some stage went as far as 10.000 which is something I usually avoid for reasons you surely understand. Nevertheless a very special sighting and I plan to share more with you as soon as I get to process.

Techs:

Nikon Z9
Nikkor 400mm F2.8 TC @ 400mm
ISO 4000
F3.5
+0.67 EV
SS 1/800s

Thank you for viewing and comments on my previous images, I do appreciate critique as well as RP's. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

Kind regards,

[Jonathan Ashton]

Love it! The limited DOF draws my eyes instantly to the head, the colours are superb, details likewise. It really grabs my attention, I have gone back to this image a few times now - I really like it.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gabriela, certainly an unconventional road block, but one I would be happy just just sit in, watch and wait.

Overall very nice, might have gone to f/4, but certainly might just try to get a bit more tonal depth in the FG and loose that light blob. Coming up on the crop to just above your name I feel just tightens things up.

Excellent PP, well exposed, good detail, well done.

TFS
Steve

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much dear Jon and Steve so glad you like my Ingulule, my gorgeous spotted road block Did spend some time with him and his mates, all of us chilling, almost felt like I was part of the coalition

Steve I took about 800 images at this sighting at various settings... so there must be an F4 in-between...just chose the better pose and then considered the techs, well as long as you think it's sharp enough I am happy...

Anyway, had a look at the image in PS and quickly implemented your suggestions, here is the RP. Finally more comfortable with the Z9 as I got to know it inside out... the lens is just amazing, I do not regret buying it.

[Steve Kaluski]

The RP has a lot more going for it, looks sharper too???

Steve I took about 800 images at this sighting at various settings...

LOL, you should have been with me on Saturday, both cameras mounted on the same rig and were smoking, the amount shot working the subject was obscene, the day as you saw was sublime and all captures were exposed perfectly as Artie would say.

[Gabriela Plesea]

The RP has a lot more going for it, looks sharper too???





LOL, you should have been with me on Saturday, both cameras mounted on the same rig and were smoking, the amount shot working the subject was obscene, the day as you saw was sublime and all captures were exposed perfectly as Artie would say.

I was so jealous, would have liked to have been there! Just don't have the kit to survive the cold, LOL. Maybe next year And indeed all super sharp and superbly exposed, looking forward to see them processed, yay

PS. I did sharpen the face a tad, LOL. You don't miss anything

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Gabriela ...
What a nicely relaxed looking Cheetah !!!

RP is looking better than the OP with the additional pop !!!
Can see a version with added vignette ... or something like a vignette

TFS Andreas

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Andreas!

Yes he was so relaxed, walked in front of the vehicle and suddenly dropped to the ground, yawning. Just too close...so I had to reverse and find a lower spot on the side of the road for better POV.

Have not done a vignette in ages, shall try and see what it looks like, thank you!

Kind regards,

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hi Gabriela,

I love that big pink tongue and the totally relaxed yawn! Such a beautiful cat!

RP looks great!

Thanks for sharing,

Gerald

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you very much Gerald, appreciated!

Warmest regards,