Leopard
Emirates Park Zoo, UAE
Emirates Park Zoo, UAE
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Nov, 2013Views
1608
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Big Wild Cats Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
All Star
Great Find
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Emirates Park Zoo (one of the best zoos for photography that I have ever been to).Time
This shot was in late November at 4:30 p.m.Lighting
The sun at this time of the day in the desert changes the angle very quickly. The enclosures here are open with huge, eye level windows at various locations around the enclosure. But the cats are often in shady areas which means you need to bump up the ISO and fix abnormalities in post.Equipment
Nikon D600, 70-300mm lens at 300mm, manual mode, ISO 1000, 1/100 at f/8, matrix metering, auto white balance, absolutely no flash when photographing animals in zoos (personal preference).Inspiration
What's not to love about big cats? I had already passed by this guy on my way to the lion enclosure (since he was napping) and while changing my location for other photos, I passed him again. He was just waking up so I waited and watched, hoping he would start moving in my direction. As he did, I kept anticipating him looking where he was going and positioned myself in that direction. Finally he looked and paused, which is when I got this shot. Another shot immediately following this one shows him yawning in a very bored fashion, as if to convey, "Another photo op?"Editing
In ACR, I brought down the highlights, brought up the exposure, contrast, and shadows and slightly increased the vibrance to bring out the color of the eyes.In my camera bag
I try to keep my carry gear to an absolute minimum, but I had been to this zoo in the past and knew I also needed my 85mm lens, as well as my trusty rocket blower (it is in the desert, after all).Feedback
Wildlife photography, even in a zoo, requires patience and knowledge about the particular animals' habits and movements. But enjoy the experience and take the time to stop looking through the viewfinder and enjoy the view as you would want your viewer to enjoy it. Of course, luck plays a part but taking your time means that you will be in the right place at the right time. Ever missed a shot just as you started to walk away? That is an easy fix, and one that is very rewarding.
