Cheetah
Here's looking at you kid. Cheetah taking a rest.
Here's looking at you kid. Cheetah taking a rest.
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Mar, 2016Views
1387
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Time
Unfortunately for me, it was the middle of the day shortly after noon when I took this photo. While the lighting at that time is very harsh, the sun was hitting the cheetah at a slight angle instead of directly overhead and the background was naturally dark from foliage and a black fence.Lighting
The lighting was harsh with no clouds in the sky and being midday, but luckily an already dark background behind the cheetah provided a nice clean look.Equipment
This was shot handheld on a Canon 7D Mark ii with a canon 70-200 f/4 L IS.Inspiration
I absolutely love going to the local zoo. Sometimes the best photography is right in our own backyards. This cheetah was resting magnetically in the grass staring right at me. To see such a majestic creature knowing how powerful he is, yet laying so calm was truly mesmerizing and beautiful.Editing
I was very lucky the background behind the cheetah was already dark from foliage and a black fence so a little bit of burning on the edges and the grass gave it a very beautiful look with highlights from the sun on the cheetah and a low key effect.In my camera bag
I have my Canon 7D Mark ii and Canon 24-105 f/4 L IS, Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS and Canon 50 mm. I have variable neutral density filters, circular polarizers, and a MeFoto Roadtrip tripod. I also have spare batteries, charger, and remote shutter release.Feedback
Patience and never stop shooting. Sometimes the best subjects are right in your back yard or very close. You don't always have to travel far to get a great shot and more often than not, a trip to the zoo proves to be a perfect location to shoot. It's challenging with ever changing lighting outdoors, people in your way, and shooting through fencing or glass. I tend to take my time going through the zoo going early in the day when it's cooler in hopes the animals are more active and also awake. I use my zoom lens to get closer to the subjects and have patience. If there's a lot of people in the way, wait a few minutes and they will move on. Sometimes that quick window of opportunity will provide a fantastic shot.
