Mother And Cub Scanning The Horizon

[Paul_Hetzel]

Critique Style Requested: In-depth

The photographer has shared comprehensive information about their intent and creative vision for this image. Please examine the details and offer feedback on how they can most effectively realize their vision.

Self Critique

I liked the symmetry of the pair, the mother teaching her cub the art of hunting. Are the tonations realistic, could the crop be different?

Creative direction

I was trying to capture the intensity of the cheetahs searching for prey. and the anticipation of their sprint after such prey.

Specific Feedback

Did I accomplish my goals. Did you the viewer have the same feelings as I did coming upon this scene?

Technical Details

Son y RX10iii, f 5.6, 1/250th second, ISO 250, 170mm

Description

On an early morning drive we came upon a mother heath and 4 cubs. We watched them from afar as they searched for prey. The cubs were about nine - ten months old and healthy. Since only 1 in 10 cubs make it to adulthood, we felt they would beat the odds.

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[Kris_Smith (Kristen M Smith)]

I hope they do beat the odds. With a mom so vigilant in her care of them at their most vulnerable, maybe they will. I do like the symmetry here and the poised for action vibe I get from them. Cats are super-observers and so I also get the feeling nothing much escapes these two, either literally or only visually. Relatively low shutter speed, but it works here since both are so still. Colors look good and not exaggerated. Crop works, but did you experiment with placing them dead center? Could be good with equal amounts of space for each to look out into.

[Paul_Hetzel]

Thank you for your critique. These cheetahs did not sit still for very long, so we had a minimum of time to take each photo. On this image I placed the dominant mother dead center to emphasize her seniority and placed the cub who was learning a little off center. Though they were in constant motion, there were multiple opportunities to capture them at different points. (2 additional images attached) Such magnificent animals, we were very fortunate. Paul

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