A Whale of a Fish

A Whale of a Fish

ATLA12D-96_pan

March 18, 2012

The grandest fish of them all.  The whale shark is one of the largest fish in the ocean, quite possibly the biggest, and the Georgia Aquarium, to my knowledge, is the only place in the world where these gentle giants are found in captivity.  They can grow up to 45', and weigh in at several (up to 20) tons.  That being said, they are gentle giants; eating plankton rather that most of their sharky cousins who devour license plates, seals, and surfers.  And there are reports of divers holding onto the dorsal or pectoral fins of these guys and just floating along with them through the ocean, without a care in the world.  At the aquarium, these sharks seemed more like playful puppies, following the small dinghies that were pumping out the plankton during mealtime.  Apparently they also knew exactly which boat 'belonged' to them, which makes me think these sharks are pretty smart.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/30 @ f/2.8   ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Dangling Tentacles

Dangling Tentacles

ATLA12D-27

March 18, 2012

Aquarium Week continues, with this lovely jellyfish again from the Georgia Aquarium.  They float so serenely, just cruising up and down in the tank or the ocean, yet they are filled with powerful toxic punches.  I liked seeing the little flecks in the water, probably food for the hungry jelly.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: Nikon D80

Lens: Nikon 50 mm f/1.4

Focal length:  50 mm

Exposure: 1/40 @ f/3.2   ISO 640

Post-processing: Minor tone adjusted with PS 4 and LR 1.4.

Lazy Cat

Lazy Cat
NCAR10D-194

February 26, 2012

Ah, Fridays spent in the sun, paws in the air,  without a care in the world.  If only life could be as easy as that.  This cat is loving the afternoon, on a secluded high-rise platform at Conservator's Center in Burlington NC.  Our final submission for this edition of Beast Week, heading into the weekend.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 185 mm

Exposure: 1/1250   f/4.5   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Thirsty Cat

Thirsty Cat
NCAR10D-171

February 26, 2012

Beast Week continues, and we're still with our big cat friend, the lion.  This adult male lion from the Conservator's Center was roaming around, looking mighty thirsty on a warm day, tongue hanging out from his big maw.  Luckily he just looked thirsty and not hungry!  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/800   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

Quiet Lion Queen

Quiet Lion Queen

NCAR10D-161

February 26, 2012

Beast Week hits the mid week, and not only is this picture of a particularly cool cat from the Conservator's Center, but it also sums up how I feel this morning... a bit droopy, a lazy cat.  This hunting queen was taking in the afternoon sun, unconcerned about the people staring and gawking at her.  Enjoy.

 

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/2000   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The King

The King

NCAR12D-156

February 26, 2012

Another image for Beast Week today on Wandering Lens.  Returning to the Conservator's Center,  this regal lion male was making a loud howling, chuffing noise.  It reverberated throughout the whole center, and was described as a way for the pride to keep track of each other and coordinate movements.  While it was not a full-on roar, the noise was very loud, intimidating, and awe-inspiring.  It showed why these guys are labeled 'kings of the jungle.'  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 200 mm

Exposure: 1/1250   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4

The Alpha Female

The Alpha Female

NCAR10D-148

February 26, 2012

This week is a sort of Beast Week.  A week ago, I got a chance to visit the Conservator's Center with my awesome fiancee Sarah.  This site helps rehabilitate and care for abandoned animals, mostly predators of the canine and feline nature.  And for a small modest fee you can walk around with a guide who will show you the magnificent animals that call the center home.

To kick things off, we have one of the 4 wolves that the center houses, this one being the alpha female of the pack.  She looks very vicious, a true wolf.  And she kept a firm grip on the pack, taking care of the younger two wolves.  And she is beautiful.  Enjoy.

Technical notes:

Camera: NIkon D80

Lens: Nikon 80-200 mm f/2.8

Focal length: 185 mm

Exposure: 1/500   f/2.8   ISO 200

Post-processing: Toning and curves adjustment in PS4