Kruger Honey Badger

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Gabriela Plesea

Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator
Staff member
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Joined
Feb 15, 2013
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8,130
Location
South Africa
Honey-Badger-KNP-Sept-2024,-01.3.jpg

Hello Friends,

Not a great image but thought I'd share anyway, one does not get to see a Honey Badger every day and this chap was super cute and full of attitude.
Sighting occurred in Kruger Park and it was rather brief, for me super special as I admire the species' tenacity and baldness. Processed in LR and PSCC with my usual and rather simple workflow.
Thank you kindly for viewing.

PS. For those of you who don't know much about Honey Badgers have a look at this link: ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c36UNSoJenI


Nikon Z9
Nikon 400mm F2.8 TC @ 600 mm
ISO 1800
F8
SS 1/2500s
0EV
 
Hi Gabriela, what a cool subject, aren't they great, but formidable characters, remember Stoffel?

Very nice HA, lovely behavioural posture, great the head is clearly visible too. I like the fact the subject is more to the RHS, but if you have it, a tad more below would be nice. Techs look good and that 400 delivers.

I might suggest getting more tonal range between the subject and environment, making it lighter, so he pops a bit more. Loose any FG darkening, its not working, and I think you could tweak the darks & shadows of the HB again to get some more depth, but overall a very cool image to have captured, very envious.

Image being at eye level... but then I doubt you would be able to show us this encounter. :)

Have a lovely weekend, hope you manage to get a run out.

TFS
Steve
 
Thank you from the heart, Steve !
The link I shared is all about Stoffel.
Shall try improve tonal range, did not darken the FG and no vignette either...It's pretty much as it was. Will send you the RAW if I struggle, hope that's ok.
Have a wonderful week-end, and thank you so much for feedback, I appreciate it.

Warmest regards,
Gabriela
 
Flip its a HB in a cracker pose with great detail and character around the face. I dont think you could get a more perfect HB expression. I find them so so difficult to photograph expecially when they are moving amongst the grass. All things considered i think it is a GREAT IMAGE
 
Flip its a HB in a cracker pose with great detail and character around the face. I dont think you could get a more perfect HB expression. I find them so so difficult to photograph expecially when they are moving amongst the grass. All things considered i think it is a GREAT IMAGE
Thank you kindly Basil,

Indeed it was difficult to capture. A badger never stops for long in one spot and usually goes about with head down and swaying, from time to time digging, nose always close to the ground. This chap was so preoccupied, at first he did not notice he had 'company'. Only when he realised we were watching him did he lift his head for a quick sniffle and within seconds he was back to foraging 😊
 
Honey-Badger-KNP-Sept-2024,-01.4.jpg

Here is Stoffel the badger with a few tweaks in PP, rather subtle, did not want to overdo things.

Thank you Steve for your help, as always much appreciated!
 
Nice shot Gabriela, the repost does look a little more imposing, he looks tough as old boots and his hide looks as though it has been through a few scuffles.
 
Nice shot Gabriela, the repost does look a little more imposing, he looks tough as old boots and his hide looks as though it has been through a few scuffles.
Thank you Jon, he was such a character and I enjoyed watching him. If you are interested in the species please have a look at the link I mentioned in the intro, you'll get to see what these chaps are capable of...
 

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