This Cheeta had just killed this gazelle at sunrise in Etosha Park, Namibia.
Scanned slide-Nikon 500 mm and film camera.
My eye is always drawn to the bloody muzzle.
Hi Charles Agree with you it is the attracting point of the image !!!
I like the pano does work well with the tail, not sure if you have any room up front? might look good. Looks like a little bit of a shadow in the head area, should be able to lighten some in PS without problem.
Do like the overall feel and I think this one needs to be seen in large printed form to be appreciated !!! Big Congrats !!!
I love the light and the look on this gorgeous cat. The bloody muzzle adds to it. Nice to have the prey in the frame. Would like to see this with a little more room. Great capture! I like the repost but it seems a little bland compared to the original. Maybe something in between?
I have only ever seen two Cheetahs in Etosha (mother and cub, no photo oppurtunites) in 5 visits you are very lucky. The biggest problems with Etosha is the harsh light and messy BG, you have done very well to eliminate most of these problems, but I think the repost is better.
Actually the original warm coloration was more like the slide and the way I remember it. The repost seems to me more what I would expect later in the day. Although agree nice to lighten up around face and muzzle to accentuate this.
Was not aware the Cheeta was that rare in Etosha.
Would love to go to Etosha when birds are breeding and it is more green and not so dry.
Chas.
Nice choice with the pano. To be picky, I'd prefer a little more space in front to balance out the empty space above the tail. Also because I'd like to see the little "trail" through the brush in front balance out the brighter grass strip angling off the base of his tail. Totally personal preference. I do like the scene you captured, the light, and the detail in the brush behind him.
Unfortunately to get all the tail I had to tighten up around the GAzelle.
After this shot he drug the gazelle deep into the brush, so I couldnt do a series.
Chas.