Meditating

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 13, 2011194 views10 comments

Of course he or she is not really meditating, but I thought it to be a fitting title...

This Meerkat is in fact the sentinel of a group of foraging Meerkats. For those who have never been close to Meerkats, please take my word for it that these are the animals you really wish to encounter on your African Safari. Not only are they generally very approachable (unless they never see people), very adorable and love-able, but most of all they are simply great fun to observe up close.

This is by no measure a stellar image, but I have always liked it since I shot this almost a year ago because of the habitat with the swaying golden grasses and quiver trees in the BG. It is such an image though of which I am not sure what others would think of it.

Meerkat a.k.a. Suricate (Suricata suricatta)
Quiver Tree Forest, Namibia
Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Shutter Speed 1/2000 Sec.
Aperture Value f/8
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM + CP @ 102mm
slight crop (app 95% of orig)
HH

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Johan Malmros on April 13, 2011 at 1:42 PM

The small fellow seems to have a really good view from up there

He/she is perfectly posing in the light isn't he/she? And what a beautiful light it is.

I like it. Mostly see close-ups of these animals, so this is a nice change. He/she is clearly standing out in the habitat view, without overpowering/dominating it.

Even think you got a small catch light in the eye

Registered on January 6, 2011, 20 Posts, 154 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on April 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM

For me it is pretty close to a classic Meerkat. Since there aren't any termite mounds for him or her to pose on, this does quite nicely. I like the comp and the perspective including the lower angle that makes it look as if he or she was as big as the trees.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 13, 2011 at 9:20 PM

Nice comp and perfect title!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on April 13, 2011 at 11:23 PM

Although hardly the same perfect setting, my daughter and I love watching the antics of these delightful little characters at our local open zoo. We also have a number of DVD's, like Meerkat Manor that we never tire of ;^)

Sincerely hope to see some in their natural habitat on my Big Trip this coming August :^)

Thanks for sharing Vincent :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Sandipan Dutta on April 14, 2011 at 10:27 AM

Like the way this image conveys sense of place ....Wonderful composition ...

Registered on March 9, 2009, 171 Posts, 493 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on April 14, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Great image. The larger needs to be looked at to really appreciate it. I really like Meerkats, they are such interesting animals. I have only seen the in zoos and read about them, but maybe someday I will be able to see them in person.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on April 14, 2011 at 1:08 PM

What a terrific composition!!! I would love to observe this scene in the wild. Outstanding work imo Vincent. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments

Comment posted by Andrius Pašukonis on April 15, 2011 at 6:22 AM

I generally love "animals in their environment" pictures and this one is absolutely gorgeous. I love that little highlight in this eyes that you see on the large version. It makes him actually look longing for someone rather than meditating.

Registered on July 23, 2005, 111 Posts, 408 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on April 16, 2011 at 6:01 PM

An excellent image Vincent. You've got nice light and colors, a nicely posed animal, and a great perch and surroundings.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Stu Porter on April 17, 2011 at 5:47 PM

Super shot Vincent !! I like that the habitat has been included for a change and it is a bit different to other shots out there of these guys in a more desert setting, super light and lovely sky,cheers Stu

Registered on March 10, 2011, 8 Posts, 58 Comments