Making the most of a sighting: anticipation
There are many challenges in wildlife photography. Not least the technical aspects of shooting. But one of the biggest challenges for visiting photographers is: anticipation.
Field guides have the privilege of watching these incredible animals daily. As visitors we are fortunate to have the opportunity to view animals in their natural environment, but we are not as accustomed to their behaviour.
Today's photo I want to share with you proves this point. This is one of my favourite photos in my portfolio. Why?
I was anticipating the leopards movement in my composition. Notice the tree log she (Tandi) is standing on. It is curving to the right. So using the rule of thirds I made sure I filled the frame correctly to anticipate the leopard moving to the right, along the curvature of the log. One third for Tandi, two thirds for the log. I wanted this composition to show the intended path Tandi would take on that log...
The sun was setting to my right, and I was expecting that her body, head and beautiful coat would glow on the right side. I was expecting her head to be facing to the right, in the same direction of the log in the frame as I took the photo. Thus balancing this composition.
But…
She had two leopard cubs that were playing nearby. The whole reason she mounted the log was to get an elevated position to view her two cubs in the long grass. Just as I took the shot, she turned her head to the left to look at one of the cubs who pounced on his sibling in the long grass.
This is why I love this photo. Her head turning to the left challenges the composition and whilst it doesn't break the rule of thirds, it certainly bends it! To me, the image remains balanced. In fact I think it is better than if she'd looked right and moved round to the right.
What are the take aways?
Look at the bigger picture, sometimes the space around the subject can tell the story better.
Learn to anticipate. Think more about what the animal might do, than what it is currently doing.
Talk to your field guide….they have valuable knowledge you need to tap into to get the best shots.
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