Black Leopard

Image Critiques Wildlife Critiques
1

leopardafrican0324kenya306.jpg
leopardafrican0324kenya306.jpg1024×591 365 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

In March I finally made the pilgrimage to Kenya to see the wild black leopard so many people have photographed over the past couple years. Obviously, this was something of a “bucket list” type goal, and after fourteen months of planning, our group had to go through the stress of having no sightings, then only nighttime sightings… and finally on the very last hour of the final morning, a daytime sighting. As much as I’d have loved getting something new or dynamic behind the lens, I was simply hoping to come away with a clear shot like this and lay my eyes on this beautiful creature without use of a spotlight. It was an incredibly satisfying conclusion to our quest.

I wrote more about the stress that comes with pursuing lofty goals and managing expectations, if anyone’s interested in reading more.

Looking forward to answering questions at tomorrow’s AMA!

Specific Feedback

I’m happy to receive any feedback. I recognize this is a basic portrait, which was really the only goal I set for myself, but if anything seems out of place to you (e.g., I recognize the distraction of the dark log, but I don’t dodge/burn color images), please chime in!

Technical Details

Canon R3
Canon 70-200mm 2.8
ISO 4000
1/400th
f/2.8

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2 Likes
2

Great portrait of a wonderful animal Max. Until you noted the log in the BG, it really didn’t impact my viewing of this. It is part of the reality of the place. The detail you got in the fur and colors is so good. I love seeing the “spotted” pattern in the fur, and that dead pan yellow eye makes it look like a real predator.

1 Like
3

Max, the cat shows excellent details (well handled blacks) as he strides along with the eye standing out clearly. The habitat also shows well as somewhat soft background.

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4

It is beautifully captured, shows the profile of this rare cat very nicely and technically a solid frame !

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5

Your patience rewarded! I love the curl of the tail. Great shot, Max.

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6

The thrill must have been intense!
I love the cats pose here

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7

Exceptional, Max - even with the “common” pose. I also did not notice the log at all.
Glad you are happy with this - I sure would be.

1 Like