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Photographer's Request for Critique
--Marsel van Oosten
Lion Charge
I have been traveling in the desert of Northern Africa for the past
weeks with no internet access, so I found out about this rather late:
my charging lion picture was commended in the 2010 Travel
Photographer of the Year Awards.
As with most wildlife shots, there was quite a bit of luck involved to
get this shot - after all, with wild animals you never know what's
going to happen. Most wildlife photographers use long tele lenses to
photograph potentially dangerous animals, and that is probably a wise
thing to do. However, wide angle shots are often more dynamic, more in
your face, so that's what I wanted to try in South Africa with lions.
I used a radio controlled remote and shot from a handheld monopod,
turned upside down, without getting out of the car. It's my secret
(well, not anymore) technique to get low level perspective shots with
wide angle lenses, while remaining flexible and without running the
risk of getting eaten. This male lion did not appreciate the clicks
coming from the grass very much, and decided to charge the D3. I guess
he was more the Canon type. :-)
Greetings from the Sahara.
[If you would like to join me on one of my workshops and photo tours,
please have a look at my website]
great photo from an angle that is pretty rarely seen. Very cool is your innovative method of getting this type of picture. He just comes right into your room. really amazing shot.
Amazing, and thanks for your descriptive technique in getting the shot! It's funny that 2 of the comments above used the word 'WOW'. I hardly ever use that word because it tends to be overused, but this image deserves an unqualified WOW!!! I will definitely be checking out your website for your workshops.
every now and then an image comes along that makes you simply marvel and admire it for everything it represents in photography. I have to say this image is exactly that for me. Simply brilliant Marsel.
I like your 'secret' technique too. I suppose we can't all be Nikon lovers, but I can easily forgive him for that. But only ...just:)
Lion looks very determine to strike. Marsel, make sure you have a built in safety cage for your protection, just in case...The best picture of an angry lion I have seen in years. Congrats..
Quite an amazing shot indeed, a well deserved accolade on this one for sure, and great tip (the inverted monopod) to try out not only on "potentially lethal subjects" but on others as well. I will definitely borrow this one from you. Congratulations on a fantastic shot and a well deserved award. Regards- michel
An excellent image Marsel, and the story line makes it even more interesting. I've used remotes but not in Africa. When I have a Nikon to feed to the lions I'll give you a call.. :-)
Your modesty in stating that luck is so much a part of wildlife photography, right up there with patience, demonstrates your honest professionalism.
The sky with clouds, the wide angle and pov and the light on the contemptuous kitty make the such a wonderful shot. Congratulations on a well deserved award.
A truly fantastic wildlife shot Marsel! An innovative technique carefully applied goes a long way. A superb image well desering of an award. Well done man!
One of the most amazing images I have ever seen. I was taught a long time ago to use imagination and just keep shooting and luck woill find its way into your viewfinder: you have certainly achieved that!
The best scariest lion photo I have ever spilled my coffee from. Thanks for the wonderful moment! ps. Most canon users I know look like this when there is a D3 nearby...
of course, everybody knows this is a great image in every sense... great colors, exposure balance between fore and background, point of view, dramatism.... etc.
but by sharing your technique with us, and the reasons to use it, you are giving us material to reflect and improve our own pictures, regardless they may or may not be about dangerous wild animals. thanks again.
I think that this image isn't about luck, it's about preparation, innovation and execution. If there were only one great image, then it might be luck, but Marsel's whole portfolio demonstrates unique perspectives and innovative technique. He knew that he couldn't simply lay in the grass and wait for a male lion to come by, perturb the lion, take a few shots with his wide angle lens and walk away unscathed. Still, he wanted the shot and came up with a method to get it.
Being only a relative noob at wildlife photography, I'm certain that a lot of persistence went into this shot. Knowing the target animals' likely behaviour, daily meandering habits, setting up for good light all went into this shot. Even with my own mundane shots, people will say things like, "You were really lucky to get that" not giving me any credit for arriving at dawn, three days in a row and sitting in my mini-blind for hours at a time, waiting on a bird or animal to come by and do its "normal" behaviour.
Yes, you keep trying and trying and then you get "lucky." I think that anyone attributing this stunning image to luck, has never really tried to create something special themselves.
I hope this image receives many awards and makes Marsel a very happy man.
Ok - so there was heavy metal between you and those chompers right? I was wondering why I hadn't seen you for a while. I thought someone found your camera and this shot was inside with you nowhere to be seen.
Your technique is remarkable. I see now that I was right to idolize you after seeing what you could do with filters and now this!
So - how does one critique an image as emotionally powerful as this? Even if there were technical issues to be found, the subject material would more than make up for it.
For the lack of anything really creative or constructive to say, I'll end by stating, "it would have been nice if you could have gotten better catch lights in the kitty's eyes. They are rather dark and mean looking."
From one Nikonian to another - Bravo!!! I am truly in awe of your talents.
When I first saw this image I thought someone must have found your camera along side your remains. After reading your technique, I am happy to know you are still alive! This is one of the most amazing photos I've ever seen. I'm glad that you didn't post it larger. I'd probably have peed myself.
OH, YEAH! Thank you! This is definitely one of my favorites. First thought: INCREDIBLE! Second thought: Hope he was using a telephoto lens. Third thought: This would be the photo to accompany the phrase, "SHUT THE **** UP!" to an obnoxious person in a chat room, Facebook, etc.
I just recently saw this photo in a magazine I had just purchased and knew it was your right away. Magnificent image of such a magnificent creature. warmest regards, GAil
You certainly have the result here but i question the method. The drama of wide angle is not seen, rather see a tele with background doffed out. Sorry but sitting safe in a car really loses the essence of the portrayal here....
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