Cheetah chasing Gazelle
Hi all,
I have not long returned from the annual trip to Kenya in search of more wildlife images. This one is my personal best from this years wildlife images. The Cheetah had spent most of the day lying in the shade and then in the space of about two minutes it stalked, chased and ultimately killed this Gazelle.
C&C welcome.
Canon 1DMK3, f5.6, 1/5000, ISO 400. ( It all happened so quickly that I had no time to change the ISO ).
Cheers
Austin
I'm not surprised you like this image, it is very dramatic and you captured a great moment with the cheetah about to take down the gazelle and the look on both faces.
Since the 1D3 produces great images at ISO 400 I don't think there was a need to change the ISO.
Unbelievable timing !! Great image for sure Austin and a superb composition and excellent eye contact . The expression on the faces says it all.. Congratulations a fine image !!!
That's outrageously good. The way the cheetah's tail trails up to the RH corner brings the eye down to the action end, where those claws are about to do their business. It's fantastic.
Was this with a 400 mm, and how were you focusing?
Phil
Really a superb image, full of impact and drama and excitement. Thank you for sharing it.
Bit Time Austin !!! ... you even got the tail in !!! Love it !!!
A magic moment very well captured Austin!
The look on the Gazelle with the outstretched claws of the Cheetah......award winning.;)
Makes me look forward to my trip to this region next year even more.
Last edited by Marc Mol; 10-18-2009 at 01:31 AM.
I can only agree with the prior comments, you have three amazingly good parts the Thomsons face, the Cheetahs tail plus the flying earth.
I dream of taking a picture as good as this, it is or should be "award winning".
one rivetting image , scream of Gazelle and tail of Chitah makes this grand
Claps for this , Agreed with everone here , AWARD WINNING shot
TFS
Austin,
Lovely piece of action. The tail up makes it over the top. What was the focal length used? Is it full frame or crop? Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi
This image is nothing short of brilliant... awesome :)
Hi everyone,
Many thanks for your comments. I rate very highly the critique on this forum which makes the comments even more pleasing.
To answer your questions Phil. The lens was a 500mm f4 Canon and I was using AI Servo focussing.
Thanks again.
Austin
What an awesome image,the diagonal tail really adds to the image. The focus of the cat and fear of the gazelle was captured thanks for sharing.
now I will be depressed for days after seeing this...certainly one of the images I dream of one day creating. absolutely breath-taking! the look on the faces, the sharpness, the tail held up for balance, the claws ready to grab.
WOW
You better enter this into some competition :)
An excellent image, opportunity presented well used!
Top top shot Austin. Top drawer!! Congratulations.
Killer image, ( pun not intended ) Excellent timing to capture the moment, and just love the posture of the cheetah. The raised tail towards the corner of the frame adds so much to the image too. Congrats.
An absolute stunner, a holy grail shot, brilliantly done.
Stunning image, Austin. The Tail, claws and the gazelle's face couln't be more perfect. Outstanding image!
Thanks again for all of your feedback. It makes we want to go back next year and have another opportunity.
Your comments are much appreciated.
Cheers
Austin
Spectacular action captured. The face on the Gazelle is great. Very nice exposure and framing.
Austin- Suffice to say that's a BBC Nature Photographer of the Year image!
The outstanding elements for me are the cat's claws, expression on the prey, dust kicked up under the cat, intend expression of the cat, no clipped tail. I could go on!
Last edited by John Chardine; 10-19-2009 at 03:36 PM. Reason: added detail because of more time to think!
Is the lump of earth in the LH side the tiniest bit distracting? What would the shot be like if you cropped perhaps halfway across that? Maybe too boxy then without the horizontal space?
I could revisit this shot for years...
Phil
Awesome shot Austin. That would be anyone's personal best. Its such a difficult, rare shot to get. So often a hunting cheetah can be lost in haze - but the light here is terrific.
Hi all,
Thanks again for your comments, they are very much appreciated.
Peter, I would have reduced the ISO had I have had a moment to make a change. The action was over almost as soon as it started.
Thanks again,
Austin
This shot is really excellent, you can see the predatory look in Cheetah's face while horror and struggle for survival is clearly visible in gazelle's facial expression, as if it's screaming for help. The position of tail tells about the immense speed and action.
This is simply the best I have seen so far.
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Fantastic Image. I echo the previous comments. It would be a winner in the VIPC photo contest for sure.
Wonderful wonderful image. Love it in every way. Super action and drama.
Congrats on a dream image.
Thats a nice action shot, well captured. Congrats Austin!!
Great capture....For me, the tail really adds to the image.
so many intense elements.....the look, the claws, the leap.
Great intensity in a top quality action/behavior image
Hi all,
Thanks again for your comments. This particular image has caught a lot of peoples attention. My inbox has exploded with emails relating to this picture.
Thanks again,
Austin
Austin, this is a stunning image. Something we all wish we could at least witness in person!! Thanks so much for sharing, and very well done.
Very late in joining the party, but unarguably this is THE best image I've ever seen.
How many awards did you win for this :-)
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