Adrian Binney, PPSA, LRPS  


Crocodile chasing migrating wildebeest by Adrian Binney, PPSA, LRPS

March 2019 - Crocodile chasing migrating wildebeest

March 2019 - Adrian Binney, PPSA, LRPS

Original

About the Image(s)

I took this image in July 2015 when on a photography focussed 7 day trip to the Masa Mara, Kenya in August 2015. We were very lucky, the team had 2 trips back to back, we were on the 2nd, but the wildebeest were late so the prior week’s trip only saw migrating zebra: we saw both in their thousands!

This was taken with settings - 1/500 F5.6, ISO 200. Camera Olympus EM1 mark 1 (I now have mark 2) and using a lens I have since upgraded from 100-300 F5-F5.6.

I was taking the wider scene with the lens set at 150 (Full Fram equiv. 300), when the crocodile here suddenly surfaced from nowhere visible - and chaos! So I have cropped quite a lot, which I think I have got away with as that camera was only 16mb (new one is 20). Family simple Lrm editing done.

Interestingly, the professional leading the group encouraged us to set the camera setting on manual once the sun was fully up, with a 1/3 or 2/3 stop under done when aimed as the pale grass. This worked, resulting in consistency whether the sun was in front of behind for the animal. I only use technique this for wildlife photography when away from trees and not taking landscapes or with the sun anywhere near the image. It can result in water being blown out (wasn’t here) but it is easy to adjust in Lrm.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Adrian, you were there at the peak of the action and right before one of the wildebeest would become alligators lunch. Your square crop really selected the most interesting area of the frame. The f/5.6 focus seems to be centered right at the alligator area, so the DOF is lost in the background were it is soft, probably worsened by the large crop.   Posted: 03/07/2019 17:29:18



 
Adrian, your timing on this captured the intensity of the struggle for life that is so common in nature. I agree with Isaac that the 5.6 focus blurred the background, and the cropping while it enhanced the most important part of the image, also made the edges soft. Still, a great capture, and the water drops add to the intensity of the moment.   Posted: 03/09/2019 09:12:58



Bruce Benson   Bruce Benson
Adrian, You are so lucky to have the opportunity to witness and photograph this wildlife wonder. I tried a 16x9 crop for you to consider. You had tough light to work with and did a good job of controlling it. My only other suggestion would be to get into the water with them so you could get a really low perspective....HA HA. Bruce   Posted: 03/17/2019 17:55:11
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Adrian Binney   Adrian Binney
Bruce. Thanks for the crop idea - I do like 16-9 proportions and use it a lot. I will try it when next at my computer- currently on our first ever cruise "In search of the Northern Lights" at the very north of Norway within the Arctic Circle. Not that cold here though, just -9c!   Posted: 03/18/2019 01:34:29



Bruce Benson   Bruce Benson
Adrian, my son was just in Finland trying for the northern lights. It was plenty cold there and even froze his tripod up so he could not use it. Clouds did not cooperate for him so he came home pretty much empty handed. Bruce   Posted: 03/19/2019 14:05:05
Adrian Binney   Adrian Binney
We technally saw them, but not good enough to get any impressive pictures. This was all we saw (not been near my computer yet)   Posted: 03/23/2019 12:37:07
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I liked this frame on the migration. Best thing about your image is the crop you decided. Out of all the clutter, you are able to present the best view of the dangers lurking around during the migration. Superb story.

But again as others mentioned, f/5.6 aperture compromised your DoF. Lot of softness around. In my opinion, aperture around f/11 would have given you good depth and overall sharpness.   Posted: 03/27/2019 09:43:22



Mary Frost   Mary Frost
I love great action shots and you surely got a great one.
  Posted: 03/27/2019 22:42:36