Hoshedar Cooper, QPSA, BPSA  

Claiming the Caiman by Hoshedar Cooper, QPSA, BPSA

October 2026 - Claiming the Caiman

About the Image(s)

This was shot on my Nikon Z9, using my 28-400 lens. Shutter speed was 1/640, focal length 400 mm, aperture F9. This was shot in the Pantanal in Brazil which is a river system where Jaguars and Caimans co-exist. On one of our routine boat safaris to photograph Jaguars and whatever else we could find, I spotted this Brazilian vulture feasting on a very dead Caiman. It was difficult to figure out at first as to what the vulture was dining on till I saw the diminutive legs of the Caiman. The light was harsh and not ideal but the action of the vulture, its placement on the very dead Caiman made an interesting image which I would like to believe is different from the usual Jaguar images coming out of Pantanal. As always appreciate frank feedback from all group members. Thank you.

5 comments posted

Barbara Mallon   Barbara Mallon
Nature shot!!! Despite the harsh lighting you did a fantastic job on the vulture! The caiman is a bit too bright so I you could burn down the bright areas. The water and the cropping are fine. Great job!   Posted: 10/08/2026 20:20:11
Gaetan Manuel   Gaetan Manuel
This is a good story telling photo. Nature photography. What I find a bit disturbing is that the colours of both the bird and its background are almost the same: blue although not of the same intensity.   Posted: 10/12/2026 15:49:36
Ger Walsh   Ger Walsh
Great unique wildlife shot....bird is really colourful and sharp...it's interesting that none of the Caiman is in focus, perhaps due to the long lens you used.

A couple of points of detail: lower, right leg of the bird appears to be blown out.....also the selection tool missed some of the interface between the wing tip detail and the water and between the birds legs.   Posted: 10/17/2026 15:30:24
Tom McCreary   Tom McCreary
Great nature shot. I like that the vulture has it wings partial open. The vulture looks very sharp from front to back, but the caiman looks out of focus. However, you can tell what the caiman is and the vulture is the important subject. Well done.   Posted: 10/17/2026 16:56:13
Judith Flacke   Judith Flacke
Great shot and I love the colours here - various shades of blue. The wings are fab! Highlights are blown but could easily be corrected in software, and I'd lighten the bird's head a bit as it is a key part of the subject. A couple of tiny dust spots could also be removed.   Posted: 10/27/2026 09:22:25
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