Wild Dogs On Alert

[Grant Atkinson]

Canon 5Dmk2, Canon 70-200 f/4.0L IS lens. Handheld. S/s 1/640 at f/7.1, iso 640. Subject distance 4.5m. Eval metering, Ai Servo focus mode. No cropping. Processed in ACR and CS5. Feb 2011, 17h56pm. Location Savuti bush camp, Botswana.
This dog closest to the camera is one of the half grown pups belonging to the Linyanti pack. It was curious and made a close but cautious approach. There is a small OOF leaf in the lhs of the image which I might clone out.
All C and C welcome
cheers
Grant A

www.grantatkinson.com

[Marc Mol]

Love the curious look, overall comp and lighting Grant, the low perspective is also what makes this image, were you crouching or lying low perhaps?
The small FG leaf is barely noticeable to me.
TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Beautiful Grant.

The low POV takes it over the top, great perspective and feel to this image, one of the best 'Dogs' images posted. Got to love those ears. The detail in the face of the main subject has been handled well. Personally I would have liked a hint more at the foot of the image.

Might suggest something just to add a bit more punch overall, but will let you try it first.

TFS
Steve

[Todd Frost]

Well seen and executed Grant. Quite a look being given. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[Charles Glatzer]

Grant,

Spectacular image, award winning in fact.

Chas

[LouBuonomo]

Awesome Grant ! Hope we get to see them when I am with you and Andy in July...

Lou

[Grant Atkinson]

Thanks for all the comments guys. Steve, thanks for your PS tips with processing too. Lou, this pack are doing well so with a bit of luck they should be somewhere around the area in July!
Thanks again for looking and commenting.
cheers
Grant

[Morkel Erasmus]

Grant, my man...this is THE best wild dog shot I have seen in a VERY long time. If you don't enter this into the WPOTY Gerald Durrell category I am going to walk to Savute and personally come kick your butt :eek:

POV is over the top! Light is super too. Small nit is I would have liked a tad more space on RHS so the OOF dog there isn't so close to the edge, but that's really just being perfectionistic.

how come you were lying on your stomach? is there any chance they might see you as prey?

[Steve Kaluski]

If you don't enter this into the WPOTY Gerald Durrell category I am going to walk to Savute and personally come kick your butt

Morkel, I'm with you, however I think Mr A is just teasing us.

[Hilary Hann]

Grant, I saw this last night but only on my iphone so didn't want to comment then but have just opened it up on my computer and it is just superb. I haven't seen wilddog images which make me want to look at the photo again and again like this does. I could almost reach out and let him sniff my hand. Your pov really shows off those beautiful long legs which from normal back of vehicles are foreshortened. I really like the feathery grasses framing the bottom of the image, don't remove the oof grass or you'll be ineligible for the WPOTY awards, deadlines closing soon! I'm sure Steve's 'add punch' suggestions will do the trick.

Morkel, as far as wilddogs seeing people as prey, I understand that many 'on foot' safari goers have approached quite close and had no problems at all. Being dogs they are probably too smart to think we would taste any good!

[Harshad Barve]

I am floored to see this
TFS

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi all, thanks for the nice comments...much appreciated. I really enjoy wild dogs and have been trying to help a little where I can with donating images for auctions to raise funds for their conservation, so to get a nice strong shot is always good.
Having as many opportunities as I do also makes a big difference, as does being in control of the vehicle, I am very fortunate in that regard.
Morkel, I should have given a bit more space on RHS, you are right about that.
I will try add a litte more contrast to the conversion
thanks again for looking and commenting
cheers
grant

[Russell Johnson]

Hi all, thanks for the nice comments...much appreciated. I really enjoy wild dogs and have been trying to help a little where I can with donating images for auctions to raise funds for their conservation, so to get a nice strong shot is always good.
Having as many opportunities as I do also makes a big difference, as does being in control of the vehicle, I am very fortunate in that regard.
Morkel, I should have given a bit more space on RHS, you are right about that.
I will try add a litte more contrast to the conversion
thanks again for looking and commenting
cheers
grant

Great image, Grant.

I would agree with some of the small nits, though in my opinion, these do not detract from the overall impact.

Another vote for WOPTY.

Do you use a skimmer ground pod or similar? Dont want to hijack your thread, though have attached one in action incase you are interested. I have found it makes these situations a lot easier :)

You could easily get someone to slip one in the suit case for you.

[Dumay de Boulle]

Fantastic low perspective and natural colors...I like the way you have the two of there attention...Great image

[Robert Amoruso]

Great POV makes this one Grant.

[Grant Atkinson]

thanks Dumay and Robert, your comments are appreciated..
cheers
grant