African Wild Cat

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 17, 2013161 views9 comments

How about some variety? At least when it comes to the species I've been posting

This African Wild Cat was photographed one afternoon during our last trip to the Kalahari (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park). We spent about 45 minutes with this individual as it tried to ambush some jackal kits who were hiding in this den system (you see an entrance right in front of the cat).

Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
1.4x teleconverter
f8.0 | 1/1000 SS | ISO-400
about 80-90% of full frame image

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on November 17, 2013 at 1:08 PM

Nice job getting one out in the open. That was the most challenging part of photographing these guys for me.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Mario Moreno on November 17, 2013 at 3:14 PM

Lovely image Morkel ! Believe or not I have yet to see one if these cats ……. I like the setting in this one

Registered on January 24, 2012, 163 Posts, 369 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 17, 2013 at 4:32 PM

The more I look at this one the more I appreciate how well photographed it is. Love the pose, eye contact, composition, color harmony with the scene...could go on. It helps that the den opening is present as well, gives some context as to why he is out in the open to be photographed. A bit ironic I thought that this kitty is hunting for dogs.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on November 18, 2013 at 3:08 AM

Nice pose, and the background has just enough detail. I could see a slight crop off the bottom to remove that bright rock in the lower right hand corner, very minor though, just thought I'd mention it because it caught my eye.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on November 18, 2013 at 7:24 AM

How about some variety? - In favour of that as you know only too well Mork.

Like the way the cat is not looking to the viewer and the raised front paw adds interest. The overall colours work well and you can see how well they can blend into the environment. The darker top half gives a nice depth to the image.

TFS
Steve

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 18, 2013 at 4:30 PM

The pose and look is special and I love the look in this cat's eyes. I find I like it a little better with a tiny crop off the top (about to the bottom of the web address,) which lessens the pull of dark shadow in the upper background.

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 19, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Hi Morkel,

I like the harmonious colour palette, but the two things that really make this shot for me are the raised front paw and those enchanting eyes. Of course, I'd like the impossible - slightly more DoF in the extreme foreground, but with no increase in detail in the background!

I like the shot as posted, but can see the merit behind Lon's suggestion of a tiny crop off the top.

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on November 19, 2013 at 10:51 AM

Gorgeous photo Morkel. I've never seen one out in the open like this, always half hidden in the grass.
The colours and the detail are terrific. Love the stalking pose and the vivid colour of the eyes.
The dark shadows at the top of the frame have the effect of pushing the eye back onto the subject.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on December 14, 2013 at 3:00 PM

Thanks for your comments, folks...

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments