# Waiting for Mom

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** wildlife\
**Created:** [August 3, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627 "2025-08-03T21:35:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![framingtheuntamed](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/framingtheuntamed/32/80226_2.png) [@framingtheuntamed](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/framingtheuntamed)\
**Post date:** [August 3, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627/1 "2025-08-03T21:35:56Z")

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![LEOPARD_CUB_CSD2415.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/2/d/2d08e3885eaf3bcf74eb3ef0af31544545c2f73f.jpeg)

> **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_
> 
> The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

### Description

Nothing like getting to photograph a leopard in a tree except that your at the mercy of whatever camera angle you can easily and respectfully maneuver into!

### Specific Feedback

Do you like the cropping? Trying to keep most of the body in the frame with a 3:2 ratio. Had to lose a little tail, but maybe I should crop the tail more and get more off the left side? Would love your expert thoughts!

### Technical Details

Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S  
1/1600 at f/4.5, ISO 1000, 400mm

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### Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

- Vision and Purpose:
- Conceptual:
- Emotional Impact and Mood:
- Composition:
- Balance and Visual Weight:
- Depth and Dimension:
- Color:
- Lighting:
- Processing:
- Technical:

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**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2025, 1:07pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627/2 "2025-08-04T13:07:44Z")

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I like the pose and the image shows how those spots help conceal the leopard in dappled sunlight. You could try a re-crop showing the full tail to see whether viewers prefer it. The head of the cat is very strong so I really did not notice the tail until I went back and read your description again…Jim

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**Author:** ![Richard\_Sandor](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/richard_sandor/32/88084_2.png) [@Richard\_Sandor](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Richard_Sandor)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627/3 "2025-08-04T17:32:23Z")

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Christine: very well done image of this cub. If you have the room, I would expand the image towards the lower right corner. This would keep all of the tail in and not have the lower leg so close to the edge of the frame.

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**Author:** ![framingtheuntamed](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/framingtheuntamed/32/80226_2.png) [@framingtheuntamed](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/framingtheuntamed)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2025, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627/5 "2025-08-04T21:41:54Z")

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Thanks everyone!

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**Author:** ![framingtheuntamed](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/framingtheuntamed/32/80226_2.png) [@framingtheuntamed](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/framingtheuntamed)\
**Post date:** [August 5, 2025, 10:41am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/waiting-for-mom/47627/7 "2025-08-05T10:41:38Z")

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Thank you @Sandy_Richards-Brown Love the dark BG. 😊