Hi Chas, I like this as presented. The casual pose of the leopard along with its very clear, bright eyes make it a wonderful animal portrait and the strong diagonal lines of the tree branch in the background add to the composition.
Do you find the spot metering easy to manage in the field? I've tried it a few times but am not happy with my results at present.
Great sharpest in the face and eyes, Pose also caused the paws to be in focus and that was a nice plus.
Chas, just to expand on the spot-metering for those not using it. What adjustment did you make here? Given that the log is close to middle gray and the soft light of the scene, you used the metered exposure. Possibly increasing it using a Expose to the Right method pushing the highlights up on the histogram. Depending upon the scenes dynamic range, amount of shadow, etc. I would not necessarily increase exposure to push whites right if that increases their tonal value above what they actually are.
Hilary, Once you understand correct spot metering technique, it can make a big difference in your photography. I hope Chas does not mind but to paraphrase, it is another crayon in the box.
Last edited by Robert Amoruso; 08-23-2010 at 10:04 AM.