Cheetah chasing Gazelle

Hi all,

It is getting close to the time when I go back to Kenya for another session with the African wildlife, so in preparation I went back through the archives.
Here is one from last years trip where I managed to record the last moments of this poor Gazelles life as it desperately tried to escape the claws of the Cheetah. I don't imagine that "lightning will strike twice" but I am certainly looking forward to spending more time on safari.

C&C most welcome.

Canon 1DMK3, 500mm, f5.6, 1/5000, ISO400. (I had no time to reduce the ISO)

Cheers

Austin
www.austin-thomas.co.uk

Incredible picture Austin , but I just dont like to see stuff like this. No dis - respect but I am a bit of a softie, and got put off maybe by the Tele programmes and their seeming obsession with showing stuff getting killed. They seem to love it, and unfortunately so do the public.
To be really controversial - no difference from a kinfisher eating a goldfish or a Little \owl eating a mealworm . smile: ( and often baited at that !) The old can of worms
( Whales and seals for example) Anyway -photo wise - top notch stuff. Excellent.
Cheers
JR

Hi John,

I also wish that there was another way that we could all survive and keep the food chain alive. Sadly nature doesn't offer that possibility and without Gazelles there would be no Cheetahs. I respect your opinion and I am sure others will feel the same.

Cheers

Austin

Austin
Still a good pic though !
John

I'm not sure how this could be bettered!

Top notch stuff

Only nit for me Austin is the uphill bg angle - great action capture

Great action image. Top drawer stuff!


Shaun

Brilliant behaviour captured the natural world at her best for me

Great capture given how fast this all happens. The timing is spot on

not always pleasant to watch but an excellent wildlife image. Very well taken. Would it benefit from a bit more saturation?

Matt

Andy has covered the only nit. All I can say is that this was obviously a once in a lifetime situation and you caught the moment just right. A superb piece of work, and I wish you as much success for your coming safari.

David

I can understand where John is coming from I also am a big softie but its nature and thats how it is, its just the same when the sparrowhawk visits and takes a dove the photographer takes over in you, its a well caught image and enjoy your next trip

Stunning capture Austin

The kind of shot I love / hate

Really nice work Austin, a superb moment captured well in the circumstances. Slight nit covered but you can't have it al when they're moving so fast..

John: What are they supposed to do.. Go to a super market and take a joint out of the freezer..?

I think it portrays so many emotions in the natural environment from anxiety and fear, through stealth and adrenaline and then the anticipation as to whether it got away or not.. Not to mention the thrill of seeing Nature in the raw.. and then of course there's oh-poor thing..! Me - I say bring it on, I love to see it in action and have only ever seen lions take down their prey, would be great to see the high speed chase of a Cheetah..

Brett

Hi that's a very cool shot.

Phil.

Superb Natural history photography, and for John he is deffinantly getting soft in his old age.


Dale

Excellent capture Austin, love the outstretched claws.

Andy...

Great timing producing a great image. At least the cheetah kills to eat, unlike a certain species, that shall remain nameless.

Impressive shot Austin

Classic shot Austin - great capture.
eric