Vanishing Ghost

[Morkel Erasmus]

When I am not busy changing diapers, I am trying to make time to catch up on some processing (since I won't be at work this week).

This one piqued my interest as a RAW file, and I decided to see where processing it would lead me. I liked the fact that it gave you this fleeting glimpse we so often see of these mysterious cats...the last glance of a stealthy killer before it vanishes into the night.

Technically, I know it's not as sharp on the face as most would want it - what I'm interested in are your "first impression" thoughts?

Captured in the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.

Techs:
Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 275mm
f5.6 @ 1/40 SS @ ISO-400
Flash used

[Harshad Barve]

Morkelbhai

This may sound harsh , but this image does not work for me
TFS

[Hilary Hann]

Morkel, it is almost there for me (first impressions), as I found it interesting and striking but with a caveat. Depending on how much room you have, I would prefer to see the leopard moved more to the right and then crop into a pano. I would also remove the white spot over the cat's left eye (on our rhs) as it seems a bit too bright. Sure, it would be much stronger if the eyes were sharp and clear but I quite like your thinking here.

Hope your baby daughter and your wife are both fit and well.

[Sid Garige]

Morkel,

I am with Harshad on this.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the feedback guys...like I said I put it out there for honest feedback, so no harshness picked up Harshad :)

[Ken Watkins]

I have to agree with Harshad and Sid on this one, although judging by the B&W Leopard in last years Veoilia (BBC), it could be a prize winner

[Dumay de Boulle]

No bud...Not for me...Looks like a botched pic. Not being harsh, just doesnt work. I always praise you for your creativity, but this is not your usual standard.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for the honest feedback...that cheetah image was on my mind with this one Ken

no worries - just wanted an external take on this...

[Ken Watkins]

.that cheetah image was on my mind with this one Ken

I thought it was a Leopard, impressionism at its best!:eek:

[peter delaney]

sorry morkel... have to agree ... delete button for me....

congrats on the new addition to ur family!!

[Marc Mol]

First of all (having been away from BPN for a while) let me congratulate yourself and your wife on the new arrival!!
Secondly, I do follow what your trying to achieve here Morkel, but somehow this falls a little short for mine.
TFS