<< Previous Next >>

Yeeeeeeeeeeah!!!


Yeeeeeeeeeeah!!!
Photo Information
Copyright: Anna Eksteen (Miss_Piggy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2285 W: 5 N: 5300] (18714)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-12-26
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC H9, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x Optical zoom, Digital ISO 125
Exposure: f/3.5, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Mammals of Southern Africa II, CeltickRanger's favorite African animal photos 2, Kruger National Park 3 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2010-01-22 7:50
Viewed: 5249
Points: 80
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Lion / Panthera leo

Ya, ya, I know this is not a bird, and yes I know I am busy with a series on the birds of the Kruger National Park, and no I did not bring the series on our birded friends to a halt, but I just could not resist the temptation to place this image of the yawning lion cub, which I photographed at the Môreson Ranch over the Christmas weekend. Loot gave interesting details about this ranch, when he posted an image of an enormous lion with the most beautiful long black mane recently, which he captured there at the same time. This large lion's nickname is Piet which is a very common name given to Afrikaans speaking males. Please go and have a look, as this lion is extremely good-looking. Special Hairdo.

Today I am not going to tell you anything about a lion, as I recently shared valuable information about the so-called "King of the animals", as part of the BIG 5 series.BUT. What I'm going to tell you is that I am very excited and relieved and that is why I gave this image the title Yeeeeeeeeeeah!!! because that is what I really want to shout out Yeeeeeeeeeeah!!!. The thick, heavy padded cast and bandages I had on my foot for the past three weeks were removed today. I almost feel like a human again, and not so much like an elephant as Loot dubbed me "Elephant foot".

I think in all the time since I joined Trek Nature this was the longest that I were not able to do any photography and that was absolute torture, especially the times I could see the birds in our garden but they were just to far away to capture. I think I only got one or two shots from the bedroom window that is worth the while. I still have to wear bandages for another 2 weeks, but these ones are softer and at least I can move in a more comfortable way making things a bit easier.

I know the technical quality of this image is not perfect, but I just loved this opened mouth yawning pose so much and wanted to share it with you as it is the closest image I have that looks like a shout. It was difficult to capture these lion cubs for many reasons. The main reason being the people that where all around them all the time; touching, stroking and playing with them. This result was that most of the photos came out with some part of a human in the scene. Other items such as fences, water and food containers, lion poo and man made structures I also had to try and avoid so as not to include it in the image. Let me tell you, capturing animals in an enclosed space is not as easy as what it seems to be.

I personally think everybody that has the opportunity to capture a lion would love to capture it whilst yawning or growling as this activity adds so much more dynamism to any lion photograph. When this little one did just that, I was fortunate to be right there and ready to click away.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who carried me and showered me with all the wonderful wishes for a speedy recovery over the past three weeks. I really appreciate you all. You are the greatest.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this photo as much as I took pleasure in taking it.
KOMSIS, fyapici, horias, ralfsworld, PeterZ, zulfu, sranjan, uleko, xTauruSx, Mamagolo2, Jamesp, nasokoun, eng55, tuslaw, matatur, Hormon_Manyer, anemone, CeltickRanger, Heaven, boreocypriensis, roges, jaycee, Noisette, maurydv, albert, amal_parambath, anel, lovenature, Mikolaj has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • KOMSIS Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 820 W: 0 N: 2419] (10674)
  • [2010-01-22 7:54]

Hi Anna,
Beautiful timing ...
Sleep time.Very beautiful composition of color and detail.
have a nice weekend,
Seyfi

Hi Anna.

No more words... Just Lion "Quin". She can do what she wants :)

Very very lovely capture. Greetings
Fevzi

hello Anna
this is a big mouth ,look out
great shot with nice details
just a good moment to take this picture
great shot Anna
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • horias Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 837 W: 58 N: 2084] (11033)
  • [2010-01-22 8:13]

Anna
Waw...what a ferocious ...big cat!
Perfect moment!
Details are lovely!
congratulation!
Horia

  • Great 
  • izida Silver Star Critiquer [C: 47 W: 0 N: 0] (1232)
  • [2010-01-22 8:20]

Merhaba Anna,
Cok guzel zamanlama..
Kutlarim

Hi Anna
Cool action shot! Young or adult, doesn't meeter those teeth looks sharp enough... so don't put your finger there :)
Thanks for sharing and have nice weekend.
Regards from cold Stockholm
Ralf

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2010-01-22 8:38]

Hello Anna,
Yes that'a fine array of teeth you captured!
I'm not sure if this cub has the full compliment of teeth yet but his mouth look as if he's in good health!
Nice POV and excellent contrasting BG.
Thanks and great to hear you're almost recovered.
Have a good weekend,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2010-01-22 8:53]

Hello Anna,
Great photo of this open mouth of the lion cub (Piet is an old dutch name). Okay the quality is not superb, but it is very nice to see him yawning. Is this photo taken in a spotlight of the car? Great sharpness and details. Taken from the best POV and a nice contrast against the dark BG.
Have a nice weekend and a good recovery,
Peter

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer [C: 685 W: 0 N: 2] (43)
  • [2010-01-22 8:58]

Hello Anna, amazing capture of a lion in a fine composition with great details.
TFS and R's,
Mehmet

Hello Anna,
Great shot with wide details of the oral cavity & dentition during yawning of this charming Panthera leo. TFS this photograph & great notes.
Regards-Subhash

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2010-01-22 9:57]

Hello Anna,
What a terrific view down the inside of this Lion cub!! A fantastic and well-timed close-up showing great details and the colours are lovely!
I'm glad to hear you're on the way to recovery!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hello Anna, superb portrait shot of this magnificent leo with nice composition. I can count its teeth:)))
TFS and regards,
Deniz

Hi Anna,
Yes, your timing was just right and I still think it is a stunning shot. So glad to hear the cast has been removed. I want to wish you a speedy recovery and keep on snapping.
Lovies
Nat

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1369 W: 9 N: 6334] (18906)
  • [2010-01-22 12:28]

Hi Anna

First - I am really glad that you have the cast off and you are semi-mobile :)

The shot is great - despite a little noise - your timing is perfect.

Best wishes

James

hello Anna,
exceptional moment and you in the suitable timing, nice photo output!
keep photographing! TFS
Nasos

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1256 W: 42 N: 1976] (5892)
  • [2010-01-22 14:06]

Hi Anna,
Very beautiful capture and timing.She seems healty:)Excellent POV,details,composition and note.
Thanks for posting..

Hey Anna,
What is this? "Cats gone wild", maybe?:)
It looks a bit like myself this morning at the dentist...
Funny,espressive photo; now get back to your birds!:)
Thanks,
Nelu

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
  • [2010-01-22 20:52]

Hello Anna,
What a fitting photo for me to be viewing right now. It is almost midnight and I've been yawning for the past half hour. Rosie went upstairs around 10:00 and I told her I'd be right behind her, well you can see how far that got me!! I can't believe how time flies when you are viewing photos on TN.
Let's get back to your photo... I love the BIG wide yawn and great detail you managed to capture. Just think about it..this is what a dentist has to look at every day..YUCK.
Well I'll now take my cue from your little wide mouthed friend and head off to dream land. TFS. Good Night...ZZZZZZZ
Ron

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2010-01-22 23:36]

Hi Anna,
wow...what a big mouth this lion got.
Nice capture and the right moment.
the teeth are so sharp in its physical sense and also very sharply taken.
Very special shot to vary from the rest.
congratulations.

regards,
Foozi

A dentist would love this soo detailed capture Anna, the in-depth lighting is perfect and the salient facial features of the beautiful animal are rendered quite nicely here against the darkish BG, a good effect indeed!
TFS and cheers...
Mehmet
P.s.: must have missed some fine images in TN lately, was trying to brush-off a terrible cold...

Yeeeeeeeeeeah!!! We all try and get a shot like this one! Well done, Anna, I always wanted to know what the inside of a lion's mouth looked like :-)
But jokes aside, a photo is so much improved if you get some sort of action or movement, even a yawn like this one makes for a special photo.

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2636 W: 74 N: 9091] (31094)
  • [2010-01-23 8:54]

Hello Anna!

Believe me or not, but I started to yawn, when I saw your photo :-) This is what I call good photo :-) And lots of violet (?) colours :-) I like it!

Hi Anna,

Yeeeeeah, You're free again! We all wish You health and happiness, and of course great lights for taking as fantastic photographies as You've done. Yeah, technical- or rather timing-wise this isn't the most perfect pic You've ever done, but this time it doesn't count at all, You captured the moment quite well, and even if not razor-sharp, the image's quite pleasant to the eyes (and as I see, not only to mine). Congrats and tfs.

Friendly regards from the Hungarian winter, László

PS: to have (if possible...) an even more speedy recovery, please click here.

Hi Anna.
Excellent and wonderful photo.
Details and composition are super.
TFS. Best regards
Özgür

Hi, Anna
Sharp teeth. Good catch. I see that you use your Sony Cybershot diligently. Many fine images you have photographed. But I think you should have been retained the canon 450d which you won. believe me at my word is much easier to shoot with an SLR. It is not necessary to use all the features of an SLR if you dont wont to.

Best regards Anders

hello Anna

you shooted at the best moment this lovely and cute lion cub,
fine POV and appropriate framing, superb focus sharpness details, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • Heaven Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 996 W: 123 N: 2341] (7912)
  • [2010-01-23 23:07]

Dear Anna!

As you say in your notes, the technical aspects of the picture are not perfect: there's a little lack of sharpness and the lighting looks like the picture would be taken with a flashlight.

But you are right when you say you just love the picture and therefore felt like posting it. I love it, too, and sometimes a picture is worth a posting even if it isn't technically perfect. This is the case when the subject or the expression of the picture is stronger than the technical aspects. Your image is very expressive and impressive! Moreover, it's very original and demonstrates how much it's safer to stand away from such teeth!

Kind regards

Markus

Hi Anna,

Outstanding portrait capture of this magnificent beauty while openning its mouth:) with immaculate sharpness, colours and details. Excellent POV, DOF and composition.
TFS and have a nice Sunday!
Cheers,

Bayram

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2010-01-24 7:16]

Halo Anna,
Looks as if it is opening wide for the dentist. Great timing on this capture Anna. Stay well.
Rick

Ciao Anna, what a mouth! Great capture of lovely little lyon in fanatstic pose, beautiful portrait with excellent sharpness and good details, very well done, have a good Sunday, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 957 W: 0 N: 1329] (6264)
  • [2010-01-25 14:12]

Hello Anna,
understand that the world crisis so much bored .... it has got this lion yawning?
Or ... mad as small portion of meat was thought to protest?
Just kidding, that it not only costs money, right?
Employment and superb play. Superb capture.
Best regards,
Adrian

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2454 W: 10 N: 8044] (25460)
  • [2010-01-25 15:58]

Hi Anna,

I was glad to read he was yawning and not threatening you!! Great timing to get this awesome shot with the big opened mouth. I think he just wanted to show you his beautiful teeth and tongue :-). Great shot and another once in a lifetime event.

Jane

Hello Anna
very nice scene of this yawning lion cub, great timing !
his big mouth and especially his teeth are very impressive
nice details on Piet's fur
Have a good night
Jacqueline

Hello Anna,
a very nice capture of this Lion taken with great time in an unusual pose, perfect focusing with fine details, very well composed.
TFS
Best regards
Ciao Maurizio

Hello Anna,
Good timing and fantastic shot, this guy doesn't need a dentist !
Well done
Albert

Hi Anna,

It's a very beautiful click Anna! Thanks a lot for sharing it! And your notes are always interesting to read!

Thanks for sharing!
Amal

Fantastic! A pleasant extremely dynamic, and funny, capture. Good detaisl and light. Best compliments Anna!

Roberto

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3053 W: 3 N: 8715] (40574)
  • [2010-02-05 4:49]

helo Anna,
This yawning fellow is so funny and I'm so happy to read that you are allright now..Somehow I missed this shot, so excuse my delay. And I must confess that I already had to yawn too,looking at your lion, but not because the picture is boring :-).
Have a nice wekend
Kind regards
Anne

Hi Anna
This is a rather cute image of a Lion yawning. It's looks like a young lion as it's teeth are still fairly white. Love the colour of it's mount too as it's a nice bright pink colour. Well done Anna.
TFS Janice

Hello Anna! Ideal moment. Wonderful exposure. Perfect capture. Great effect. Well done!

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF