Lions

[Jayne-Yorks]

Right i have spent the last 2 years trying to get a decent lion shot at the numerous zoos (and there have been many ask my other half lol) anyway made him take me to Knowsley Safari park last week and popped the window down in the enclosure! i finally got some images i am happyish with, i am afraid theres a few and i will probably bore you even more with them when i have finished editing the other card so......sorry lol

[Jayne-Yorks]

a few more.....

[RoscoePColtrane]

I love that 2nd shot! great timing
The last in the 1st set is a nice shot too.

Went to Longleat a couple of months back, unfortunately the lions were all fast asleep

[Jayne-Yorks]

That's the problem i have had in the past either the enclosures are too restrictive for photography or if you manage to get a doable angle they are asleep! Longleat is still on my to do list

[Jayne-Yorks]

and mom and dad........

[Nina]

Hi Jayne these are nice especially the last of mum and dad, they seem to have more colour in their coats then the other Lions.

[mand]

Jayne this is a fab set. you have captured these very well. I love the first pic, submission shot. And as for the mum n dad shot this is really good.

[Kenny]

Wow Jayne has entered the building!!

fantastic shots of my favourite creatures Jayne. Im really surprised though cos I thought you lurved that car....bet the gibbons loved your windie wipers LOL or did you go in Mick's car??

seriously though,one way to get close to these creatures is like they do at marwell zoo where they have a big cat day where you go into the enclosures and no wires,bars or glass to ruin the shots.Not cheap though.Last one they ran at my other forum cost people nearly £100 each for the day but awesome photos,so well worth it.

Bessy regs

Kenny

[Andy B]

a pretty good set Jayne espcially the second shot, the best by far IMO.
it does seem you where at the limits with the lens though???? was the 300mm??
TBH thats the only thing that let you doen in these...as some look a bit soft, shaky??

tell me off if im well out though!! :)

[Jayne-Yorks]

Hiya Andy not out altogether......The lens is actually a 170-500mm that i got off Tinysmall (matt) this was the first timme out with it, in fact it's why i made Mick take me lol obviously there wasn't room in the front seat for a tripod so it was rested on the window ledge of the door. Altho the upload has softened these a bit there may well be some slight movement, i tried using the lens handheld for a few shots and it is impossible to use hand held at 500mm end (even when you stop breathing lol) but as i said i am happyish with these compared to what i have managed with the lions in the past and i have used the lens now so now what i could achieve with it with some practice oh and taking my tripod lol...thanks for the cc tho

[Kya]

A lovely set of images Jayne you have come on leaps and bounds since I last looked at your work..You have captured some lovely interraction between them..
I agree with Andy that some could be sharper but think you have done well as there was such a distance..You could improve a few in photoshop as some look a little dull and lifeless..
Try using shadow/highlights in photoshop as I have done in this shot to bring out some detail and a lift in curves to give them a little pop..Well done! :)

[Jayne-Yorks]

cheers Tracey....will have another look at the pp but thanks for the tip

[Andy B]

all good stuff then Jayne!!
I guessed it was the lens and holding it steady coupled with how far these guys are away but its always nice to put things into perspective!!!
You see, if youd had the D700, you could have just left the 85mm on and cropped :)

[Jayne-Yorks]

lol i might just do that next time i go

[chris Hodgson]

These are cracking stuff. Longleat is a good idea, but it can be hit n miss with the lions etc for distance from the cars. If you go, try and go in to the enclosure just before feeding times, as they are more active at that time. If you go after feeding, they will have taken the food away, or be sleeping after eating. I used to live just down the road from Longleat, and have been loads of times (before digi camera days), and it's a good day out if you do the safari, and the house + grounds. If you do plan on going, let me know, and I'll give you a map of some cool local togging areas that are off the main tourist maps etc