Dear all
Made in Serengeti with D3, 200-400/F4 at 200mm :eek: f5.6, 1/1250, ISO 800 , HH , FF
All C & C are most welcome
Harshad
Dear all
Made in Serengeti with D3, 200-400/F4 at 200mm :eek: f5.6, 1/1250, ISO 800 , HH , FF
All C & C are most welcome
Harshad
Harshad,you have captured an image that portrays/documents the day-to-day struggle of life, live or die and I have no problems with that, as this is nature 'in the raw'.
Regrading the image, what time of day was it shot, looks early mornig, just trying to gauge colours here. I think it could do with a hint more selective sharpening just to give a bit more clarity and refinement, based on previous images that look spot on and with the same kit.
Prefer this to others I have seen.
TFS
Steve
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
Harshad, is this lioness collared? It looks like part of a collar in view but fortunately doesn't detract as it isn't obvious. The reflection adds greatly to this image and although I wouldn't choose to hang it on my wall I do think it is a good wildlife documentary shot as it does tell a story. I don't find this nearly as 'unpleasant' (to coin a term) as images of hyaenas and wild dogs eating live prey. Those images, whilst also documentary, are just too distressing for me no matter how excellent the image quality is.
Tom, I am interested to know why you find this particularly gory as I know that you have always expressed an interest in seeing lion kills on your safari. No criticism intended, but I find it interesting to understand the different levels of 'nature in the raw' which each person finds acceptable.
Harshad, I seem to remember a time when you wouldn't shoot at anything over ISO200, or does my memory fail me!![]()
I also feel this shot is way too blunt and doesn't work for me at all...![]()
I have no problem with this, it's Africa and nature can be cruel. Super action Harshad, I like the light but agree with Steve on sharpening TFS![]()
Harshad, I agree that it probably needs some sharpening. Very nice light and shows the power of this
lion. Tom, it is obvious by the thumbnail what this image is. Why did you look?
Jack
That's it , Added some selective sharpening and was taken at horizontal beaming morning sunlight , may be around 6.45 AM
yes she is collared one
Your memory is just too good Hilary , I am so happy with D3 , One dream machine for me , Usable , printable images at ISO 5000 and awesome 10FPS , what you want more , Now I keep ISO 800 as standard settings
Works for me, Not many times we get to see big cats in action ,
Thanks Jack and everyone
Kill and carry or drag is same thing , poor wildee died
Ofer , I am thankful to you for this , but IMHO you as a wildlife photog posted many bird images in which kill is shown , IMHO for you kill of wilde is GORY but fish kill is smooth , come on buddy try being fish![]()
Last edited by Harshad Barve; 06-03-2011 at 11:35 AM.
Hi Harshad
long thread, :eek:
I was actually hoping somebody might have asked about the kill/behaviour of the lioness , did she kill in the water? or is she dragging carcass towards the water?
Always find shots of these may not be aesthetic but they do document behaviour. And I believe the route to being a successful nature photographer is by observing this kind of behaviour. So for those of us who were not there I would interested in any observation.
I have to say , I applaud you, as you come across as a gentleman thru this whole thread. Hope to meet you day .. maybe Etosha!!
Surely is a dramatic scene with great light here Harshad...capturing the daily struggles of these iconic animals is something we all strive for. I don't mind the gore...it's explicit but the whole story here sets it apart from another "lion walking in golden light" shot that most of us have. I also like the muscles on the lioness' rump as she carries the heavy carcass to her pride.
Tom, in all fairness:
I find this comment a bit snide and uncalled for. Even if you would have stated why you think Harshad's motivation for taking photos is invalid or obsolete, a comment like this can never be taken in a kind or courteous light.Then you can be replaced by a motion sensor to automatically trip the shutter at any movement.
I for one beg to differ. If you want to put a quantifiable "gore measure" up between all your linked photos and this one I would postulate you will find it hard to get anyone to distinguish "your line" of gore from Harshad's. Your shots are quite on par IMHO with any other "nature kill" photo posted on any other photography forum. You would be hard pressed to argue from your standpoint and win a case. That being said I think your photos are excellent natural history images in the same vein as this one by Harshad. I wouldn't mind having them in my own gallery for that matter...but may I ask you the same question - what were you "trying to convey" with them? To be honest, you lambasting Harshad for posting this on the forum while you have images of similar gore on public display on your website is a bit like the pot calling the kettle blackPut all of mine/those (8) together and in my view their total does not come close to yours. Like I say, there is a line. One line for you , a different one for me, as I see it.. You will not be able to fit a damselfly between the 2 lines you are describing for yourself and Harshad
.
Peter:
I can only echo that...I have to say , I applaud you, as you come across as a gentleman thru this whole thread. Hope to meet you day
That being said, I think everyone on either side of the fence has had their say on the "reasoning behind the shot"...let's keep further comments to actual technical critique, please...![]()

Ok, thanks all. I don't think I can add anything to what I've said.
I notice there have been 180 views of this thread, wish we were hearing from many others.
CU on safari -Tom
Well since you asked for other views: I believe that Morkel did a good job summing up how I feel about the direction of this thread and in particular that your comment in pane 4 is uncalled for. I would also strongly agree that I do not see a substantial difference in gore factor between Harshard's image and the linked ones from your site. Also your comment "Oh, but wait, the reflection in the water makes it all ok. Sure." is snide as well.
Regarding this image in particular, I don't have an issue of showing such natural behavior in this forum.
And now is a good place to put this gore issue to bed.
Anyone having a comment regarding critiquing the image's technical and esthetic qualities, you're welcome to continue.
More input form others has been requested so I'll chime in. Have been silent but not absent for quite a while due to some personal issues (that double edged sword in the information age). Love the image Harshad, the additonal selective sharpening takes it up a notch. These are the images I to strive for when shooting carnivores. I have been fortunate to have gotten a few in my files of wolves on elk and someday hope to make it to Africa and India for the big cats. This gives a glimpse for those of us that have never been there to see the real life drama of predator and prey in the African bush! Techs are handled well, glad to see you are enjoying the D3. Morkel has summed up the issue very well re. the "to post or not to post question". Congrats on a great image!
Todd
Thanks everyone , Much appreciated
Nature in flesh and blood as true as it gets. Hope that wild life photographer never dies in you.
Great capture, agree with the comments on the sharpening.
I would ignore the snide remarks, I don't think a camera trap could capture this![]()
First of all Harshad, huge congratulations on your 11,000th post! That is true dedication, and I have truly enjoyed the photographs you have shared with us, as well as your insightful critiques.
Although I tend to be a "gore mucker," my first reaction to this photo was shock. That said, I would have photographed it right along beside you. After all, we are all documenting nature. As far as the photograph itself, the light is splendid and the action/behavior amazing (albeit graphic). I would really like to see more room if you have it, especially on the right side.
Wonderful capture , Harshad . Simply loved it !! Nothing gory about it . Simple and raw nature at work :)