African Serval

Image Critiques Wildlife Critiques
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Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Botswana
While returning to the lodge from a night safari, we heard rustling in the grass. Our guide’s spotlight showed this wild cat, who didn’t seem to mind for the first 10 images - then he/she started to snarl which we took as a sign to leave.
These are about the size of an average housecat, and extremely elusive and rarely seen.

Specific Feedback

all feedback welcome

Technical Details

Sony A1
200-600 @ 300
Software: DxO PureRAW 4 + PS 2025
Date Taken: 2023-05-14 19:44:32
Exposure Time: 1/150 sec
F Number: f/6.3
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 12000
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

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2

Hey Sandy, this is a serval. Much more special of a sighting in my book (probably because I haven’t seen one in ages).

The huge ears are a dead giveaway, and it’s significantly larger than a wildcat. Great find!

3

Thanks, Max - I wondered, because it didn’t really match any of the small Africa cats pictures very well. It was quite small, though, and didn’t have very long legs. A lady I knew in Sandy, Oregon had a pet serval, (sadly) and it was gorgeous and very tall.
We had to stay in the vehicle, of course, so we were looking down on this one, which may have altered the persepctive.
Thanks again -

1 Like
4

Considering the difficult lighting and other restrictions, you have managed a very lovely portrait. I like the first one over the snarly one.

Wonderful to be able to see one of these!

5

A cool close up, surprisingly, it gave you a clar view of the face, considering the surroundings.
Dark BG adds to the image of predator.

6

I was admiring this beautiful forest little animal very similar to a domestic cat when my eyes slipped into the image below… it’s something else completely. It seems to be still youg. Beautiful capture Sandy.