Leopard ascent in golden light.

[marc]

It's been quite a while between postings for me, a lot has happened in between, such as relocating to Switzerland where life here is very different to Oz.
One bonus is the direct 9/10 hr flights to Kenya/Tanzania!

Just arrived back from Selous & Ruaha- Tanzania, where the wildlife and majestic baobab landscapes did not disappoint
I could almost say it rivals my most fav wildlife destination the Sth Luangwa, it's that good.

This image here is one I've always hoped may come along, on this trip to Ruaha, I certainly got my wish as I was lucky enough to experience many sightings of leopards ascending & descending
in all types of lighting conditions, even sunrise/sunset silhouettes. I've included the palm as it provides some context, interested to see what others feel?
I would have preferred slightly more room above, but that might be greedy. ISO1600/8000s was not intentional, but in the heat of battle.

D700 80-400 AF-S ISO 1600 1/8000s f/6.3 @ 80mm, 20% crop.

Ruaha NP- Tanzania Oct 2013.

C & C most welcome

Cheers
Marc

[zafra52]

It's such a nice photograph, taken in the
blink of an eye, that I find it hard to suggest
any possible improvements. The blurred tree
adds context to the subject and although the
light in the main tree is a bit strong I can live
with that. Congratulations, I think you've
done very well indeed capturing the decisive
moment. You might be able to sell it.

[ozimax]

Marc, this photo is insanely wonderful. It deserves a massive 1.5m high canvas, prominently displayed somewhere. It is superb.

[marc]

Appreciate the comments guys.

It's such a nice photograph, taken in the blink of an eye, that I find it hard to suggest any possible improvements. The blurred tree adds context to the subject and although the
light in the main tree is a bit strong I can live with that. Congratulations, I think you've done very well indeed capturing the decisivemoment. You might be able to sell it.

Sunrise wasn't till 06.22, as this was taken @ 07.16, so in a perfect world I needed her to climb around 06.40, but hey .........I'll take this anytime of day.

[chrisk]

your shots are ALWAYS top shelf

[CraigVTR]

What can I say but, awesome. Yes the palm does add context.

[sirhc55]

I totally agree with what has been said so far but would add that the inclusion in the background of the palm gives this shot the 101% massive poster print must do.

[gstark]

I needed her to climb around 06.40, but hey .........I'll take this anytime of day.

Absobloodylutely.

This is just fan-bloody-mazing.

[Glen]

Fantastic!

[Matt. K]

That is a commercially valuable wildlife image. It is outstanding.

[biggerry]

Good to see you again Marc, please take the time to look at other members images and impart some of your knowledge and skills on their images too. I am sure alot of peeps would love to know more about your trips, ie good places to go, tips and hints etc..

Whilst i think this image is pretty darn good, i think there is still room for improvement, the lack of space above the animal unbalances the frame imo, the overall frame comes across very bright and the tree trunk and the palm in the distance compete with the animal.

I think these aspects could be easily rectified in post, darkening the ancillary items and cropping to balance the animal and overall reducing the brightness.

i had a quick bash to see what could be achieved, i am sure with the full res nefs alot better could be achieved. let me know if you want it removed.