Calm Before the Storm

Hey Joerg,

Welcome to the Wildlife Gallery...and we make it a rule to NEVER go easy on anyone on their first post. I guess that's why no one ever comes back?

I'm going to go at you full bore: I really like this shot. I love the implied predator-prey relationship here (and how not every minute of their life is high-drama active hunting stuff). I particularly like how the haze (and possibly the DoF, tho' a bit tough to tell at this size) "subordinates" the prey and clearly leaves the two lions as the main subjects. In my mind the subjects are placed very well in the frame - including both the main subjects and the supporting cast. Colour scheme works well for me too - as does the pano-style crop. It's hard to evaluate some aspects of the image (e.g., sharpness) at this size so I won't say anything about that. But that leads to my only real nit - being deprived of the privilege and pleasure of seeing this at a larger size! Which is really no nit at all...

Well...there you go. Sorry for being so brutally honest and hope that, after you finish licking your wounds, you are willing to return to this gallery.

Cheers...

Brad

Welcome to this Gallery Joerg. This is such a typical Etosha scene. I like the sort of layering in this with the lion, the gemsbok and then the horizon with the zebra(?) in the far distance. I don't have any suggestions for improvement, but do have a nit and that is that you did not post a larger 1200px version for us to enjoy. Of course that is not a real nit, but larger images just aid so much in critiquing an image better. I hope to see more of your Wildlife work here.

Nice "layers" in this one, Joerg. Just enough gemsbok are on alert, so it gives a great sense of the tenuous relationship between predator and prey.

Max

I simply love this one Joerg.
I do hope to see more of your wildlife work, and wish you'd posted bigger.
The layering and implied story here is superb.

If this is your first attempt, I can't wait to see more! I'd agree with Vincent and Brian that a larger version would have been great. I do love how you captured the gemsbok and springbok all gathered together in the background with lions up front. The COMP and DOF here really works well in this one. Welcome aboard!

thanks for all your comments!! if i only had known that y'all were not that mean at all..

it seems like it's impossible to upload a larger version once the image hast been posted - at least i couldn't find any option to do so.. anyways.. here's a link to a larger version:
http://www.joergbonner.net/nsn/calm_before_the_storm_1200px.jpg

Hi Jeorg,
Welcome! I see you've already been brutalized by all the wildlife guys!
Awesome first post! I never seem to be able to get large herds to behave like this- there are always a few individuals that feel the need to extrude out of the frame, killing the comp! You really nailed this one though! Any of my other comments have already been stated so I won't be repetitive. And thanks for sharing the larger shot, it really helps!
-Cam

Welcome to the wildlife forum Joerg!!!

This ia a very pleasing and intriguing photograph to view, thanks for the link to the large version. Great composition with the lions resting in front of a variety of possible prey.

Excellent Work!

Ken Archer

Welcome Jeorg! This is a dandy scene, with the hazy background offering a sense of depth. I really like the orientation and I like the detail of the skull behind the lion, a detail easily missed in small edition. Thanks for offering up the link to view it larger!

Joerg, I really love the three different animal layers in this image and the very peaceful lions laying so close to their next meal. Very different and striking image. I hope you will post more animal images now that you have overcome your fear of the Wildlife Gallery!

Your skills as a landscape photographer really enhance the overall image you have captured and the story that you are telling here.

You have captured the essence of the African outdoors here, Joerg! And, a hearty welcome to the Wildlife Forum! You'll find that only the gallery is wild, not us folks who post here!

This is a super shot !! Love the fact that it is a a great landscape image with the inclusion of it's habitants ....... Great composition ........ BRILLIANT !!

I'm not entirely sure what to add after all this praise...which I totally subscribe to. I specifically love the little detail of the two zebras top right, which subtly add a third layer to this beautiful scene.
Grt, Ingrid.

Welcome!
Love Brad's reply about "treating you kindly" - lol!
No nits at all from me either, and congrats on a very fine (and I suspect, first of many) WP!

Sandy