Lion in mono

[StuartR]

Yes, I've been to the Zoo again got to get maximum use out of those gold cards!

I really went to walk round with my son who is starting to get to grips with the Panasonic Lumix FZ18 we bought him for Christmas. I have to say that I'm impressed with some of the results from this camera so far, for those who don't know this model, it has an incredible 28-504mm (35mm equiv) optical zoom so, on paper, it outguns my 70-300mm zoom at the long end on my 40D's APS sensor! Reckon I'll be buying him a DSLR next Christmas...

Anyway, here's a shot (one of mine) of a Lion taken through fairly dirty & marked glass which surrounds much of their enclosure - glass that didn't seem thick enough when he later stood no more than 6" from me . Looked better to me in mono but perhaps it's a bit flat?

[coupekid]

Re: Lion in mono

I dont think it is flat at all, I think it is stunning!

The only thing I think I would do Stuart, is to crop the right hand side of, to convert to a portrait style.

[jojo]

Re: Lion in mono

Not flat to me either Stuart. I like the extra space to the right - to me it adds added girth to the mane. On the other hand, I might like to see it rotated marginally CW so that Lion has less of a "cocked" expression. A little soft in the bottom left-hand corner (probably the dirty, thick glass), but a cracking shot nonetheless.

jo

[Tom]

Re: Lion in mono

Not a bit flat and you got him beautifully. The detail is lovely especially around the mouth and the white hair underneath. A truely noble creature. The only problem here is what I presume to be some distortion caused by the glass on the bottom left.

[Pol]

Re: Lion in mono

'tis a stunner! The facial details are amazing and those eyes are superb!

Pol

[bigbob]

Re: Lion in mono

I'm going to disagree i think it needs a slight contrast tweek ,portrait would also make it stronger and lose the blurred edges .
Stunning eyes , i assume thats Colchester , dirty glass has always been a problem there , especaly with the monkeys .

Paradise Park is good for big cats as you're on a catwalk above them

B..

[Tinka]

Re: Lion in mono

Hi,
happy new year to you, Love the mono approach.
The lion looks as if he is offended at you poking a lens at him (did you ask his permission first? )
This certainly is a great image, but I to thinkl a little contrast tweeking May help even further and also a square crop would have been my choice, but you certainly caught a powerful image.
Best wishes Dave.

[StuartR]

Re: Lion in mono

Here's a more tightly cropped portrait version...think I prefer it..?

[coupekid]

Re: Lion in mono

Here's a more tightly cropped portrait version...think I prefer it..?

Much much better in my opinion, love it!

[jojo]

Re: Lion in mono

Yup, have to agree too - definitely looks like it means business!

Jo

[Tinka]

Re: Lion in mono

Hi,
Yes it is a big improvement, to an already super image.

[Autumn]

Re: Lion in mono

Yes it is much better the out of focus main on the right was dragging my eye, but this has made it a very bold and stunning portrait.

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Lion in mono

I do prefer the cropped version. That ice cold glare seems comparable to 'the stalking stare' when a lion is intent on its prey & about to make a move on it! A really strong portrait with great definition!

[ash]

Re: Lion in mono

Hi, fz18, wow, I guess that means 18x focal. And you say it was taken through mucky glass, I think you did a great job, Im a sucker for b&w, and this looks great, well done.

Its not untill you actually see one of these pussy's up close that you actually realise how big and fantastic animals they are.
cheers
Ash.

[StuartR]

Re: Lion in mono

Thanks for all the positive comments all.

Ash's post made me think that I might have accidentally implied that I took the shot with my son's new Panasonic. That was not the case, it was actually taken using my 40D....