Spotted Hyena, Northern Serengeti, Tanzania
D2X, 200-400 w/1.7TC @ 650mm, f/6.7 @ 1/200sec, iso 400
This is from a short and quick encounter with a small pack of hyena in amongst the brush in the northern reaches of Tanzania. These guys are quick, impressive and mean looking. This was the only image that I managed to get without the brush being in the way or with the main part of the photo being their rump. :) Just wish he would have looked up a little higher.
You captured his look well even if the head position is a bit down. High-contrast handled well but you could try a reverse s-curve too and see how that looks. Even if you do the reverse s-curve on the BG that would help to accentuate the Hyena from it better.
Hi Rich... I'm in agreement a slightly higher head position would've been nice, but this is impressive as is in my opinion. I think you did a good job of capturing the mean aspect of the creature in this image. ;)
Nice look from this guy. The irregularly curled bottom lip and visible teeth give this guy a sense of menace. I think a higher head angle would've detracted from that sense although it may have been better photographically. On my monitor there looks to be a little color bleed from the fur into the BG.