3 Leaping Impala

[Dale D]

We spent the better part of a morning on one of our last days on safari, trying for this shot. As our guide searched for large impala herds, we found three or four groups. Each time, our guide had a plan to form a pincers maneuver, using an assistant and hoping we could force the herd to start running in the direction of our prediction. One assistant guide left the car and walked to the left of the herd, and the other guide left the car and moved out towards the right side of the car. My lens was pre-positioned in the middle where we predicted they would run. My camera was pre-set focus for exposure and high shutter speed to shoot at 60 frames per second (crazy)! We failed three times ( e.g.: 3 herds) because the herd went to the opposite of the predicted direction. Finally, success! And I got this shot.
FINALLY- SUCCESS! Nikon Z8, Nikkor 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 at f/8, and 600mm, ISO 1250, Shutter 1/2500th seconds. click on image for full frame

 

[Rchawks]

WOW, Excellent picture Dale.

 

[Dale D]

Thanks- it took a ton of work and patience

 

[GeorgiaPI]

Very nice! I don't have any glass that long but do shoot the Canon 7D MKII and some L Glass.and amazed how some people think they can get this with a phone.

 

[Air2Man]

Thanks- it took a ton of work and patience

And the deliberate planned disturbance of peacefully grazing animals to make them jump, just for a photo shoot! That is not how true wildlife photographers work. Patience is a virtue and the animals' interest should always come first. Nice photos but is this not a drone group?

 

[macfawlty]

I like your non-aerial images as well, so there…
If the guides thought it was ok to rustle up the herd, who are we to judge? Just stay away from the hippos.