the lookout

[Andrew Aveley]

this young female leopard was stalking of a herd of Impala and they disappeared in a riverbed . She promptly climbed up in a mopani bush to get a better vantage point. This is not the easiest bush to climb but she made the effort............late afternoon with overcast and dull light conditions. posted to show adaptive behavior

Canon 1D MK 3 , ISO 640 / 1/80sec / F4 / 500 mm F4

[Hilary Hann]

Well I think you've succeeded very well in showing the adaptive behaviour of this leopard!

I wasn't sure from the thumb nail what to expect, but I really love the intricate nature of the branches and the way the cat blends into the seemingly fragile vegetation. I also like the background sky which has a good tone to it. Great job on this!

1/80sec … how did you support your camera?

[Grant Atkinson]

Nice behavioural shot here Andrew, and the leopard's gaze, the muted colours, and the tangle of branches make one wonder just how the cat managed to get there..
You did well at 1/80sec. TFS
Grant

[Robert Amoruso]

Andrew,

If I crop about a third off the bottom, I find this to be a more effective image even if it ends up close to a square.

[Steve Kaluski]

We tend to shy away from these shots because of the natural clutter, but this works well, illustrating the habitat & environment animals get themselves into. The slightly overcast conditions has helped the BG I feel, avoiding hotspots. Would agree on a slight crop at the foot of the image.

TFS
Steve

[Morkel Erasmus]

superb techs here Andrew - steady hand mate :)
I agree on the crop suggestion...they seem to be able to get up any darn tree :eek:

[Rachel Hollander]

Andrew - Amazed you could focus through the tangle. Agree on the crop suggestion. Nice habitat and behavior shot.

TFS,
Rachel

[Andrew Aveley]

Thanks for the great feedback and crop suggestion. Hilary , the lens was supported by a bean bag .