Canon 50D, Canon 300mmf2.8is lens, iso 500, 1/500sec at f4.5, handheld, from a vehicle. Location Savuti Channel, Botswana. 30 Nov 08, o6h45. Color, tone, sharpened in ACR, white reflection in water darkened with PS. Cropped to 13mp.
These young lions were hesitant to enter the water to cross to the other side. The rest of the pride had already done so. The lions will often scan the water intensely, and even make threatening gestures as this one is doing, due to the possibility of crocodile attack. Just after this they came through. I couldnt get the full reflection due to tall grass just below my foreground.
Grant, I like the intense behaviour of the lion in front. Both in good focus, and the light looks nice and soft too. Comp wise, I would like to have seen a little more space on top, and then move the lions more to the left, with a little space between the tail and the edge of the LH frame. Just a thought.
Hey Grant, here is my way of thinking. Cropped off the left, added a little canvas to the right,and also decided to take a bit off the bottom. I want the front lion to be looking into space. Hope you dont mind.
Grant, I like Stuart's repost. My initial temptation would also be to make the most of the reflection of the cubs but the real story is their posture and attitude which is now well portrayed.
Can't wait to get back to your part of the bush - sounds like the recent rain should make for some interesting sightings!
I know teenage lions don't like to obey verbal commands, but I would have told the back one to stay more to the left. :) So they are not "stacked" so much. And both to look at the camera.
Tom
thanks for all the comments, and your repost works better Stuart, I agree with you and Debbie about forgetting the imperfect reflection...thanks again
grant