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On lookout

Discussion

13 replies
Posted by Stephen Kaluski on August 30, 2012 at 4:33 AM
On lookout
Thanks for the previous comments & feedback.

The amount of Leopards we found were amazing, this was another female we tracker for about half an hour as she scent marked and patrolled the area looking for traces of her mate. As she made a bid up along the ridge we move the jeep around still keeping an eye on her movements as she moved through the bush to a point where she could look out and was then just below us.

Steve
Subject: Leopard on lookout for mate (Panthera pardus)
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon MKIV
Lens: 500f/4 HH
Exposure: 1/400s at f/5.6 ISO400 0 stop compensation
Crop: Slight crop (original capture vertical)
Subject distance: 21m
Posted by Phil Ellard on August 30, 2012 at 5:50 AM
I am always impressed by the guides in africa and how well they know the animals, great experience. I remember when i saw my first leopard about a mile away through bins in Tanzania, a poor sighting but one that i will never forget. This is a lovely portrait and shows the animal off well :toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Stephen Kaluski on August 30, 2012 at 6:04 AM
Phil, the Rangers are superb, truck loads of information for those that want it and a real understanding of their animals and the environment/habitat they live in, as you say. I have only experience it once where the tracker sat on the front of the land rover, tracked a pair of Cheetahs for about 15 minutes then walked on foot in front of the vehicle, say 20m knowing the two Cheetahs were within a 100m distance and there were no paw marks or tale tale signs either, they are superb guys and some have become good friends over the time. Normally it's just the two of us and one ranger.

Cheers.
Posted by Neil Burton on August 30, 2012 at 8:19 AM
That is gorgeous Stephen. I remember one guide in Chobe, we drove at 30 or 40 MPH but he was still following the tracks, amazing fellows.
Posted by Sandra Hendrikse on August 30, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Beautiful portrait. I like it a lot. :smile: :smile:
Posted by Kim Connolly on August 30, 2012 at 8:59 AM
A beautiful composition Steve, a magnificent animal.
Posted by David Sewell on August 30, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Magnificent shot of a superb animal. Detail in the fur is excellent, especially on the large version.

David
Posted by Andy Shepherd on August 30, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Another excellent Leopard shot, Steve. I really like her facial expression and the setting is spot on too. I will probably never see a Leopard in the wild, so I'm very envious of the numerous encounters you have had with this species over the years.

No nits from me either.

Andy... :wavey:
Posted by Stephen Kaluski on August 30, 2012 at 11:39 AM
I'm very envious of the numerous encounters you have had with this species over the years.

Ditto with you SEO Andy :wavey:
Posted by keith mitchell on August 30, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Steve excellent as always.

Keith.
Posted by Barry Southon on August 30, 2012 at 12:17 PM
Steve

All been said, superb image.

:wink:
Posted by Nick Mckeown on August 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Another great leopard shot Steve. Minor nit from me is the tree branch at the back of its head. You seem to have some great encounters in Africa.

Nick. :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :smile: :wavey:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on August 30, 2012 at 2:44 PM
Not in Essex then ? All been said Steve. A lovely image.
Posted by Bob Johnson on August 31, 2012 at 7:51 AM
Cracking shot Steve. Yes the guides in Botswana certainly know their stuff and the guys that I use in Tanzania never cease to amaze me either, especially their eyesight :wink:

Bob :smile: