Boomslang vs Chameleon

This as an interesting image to capture as it was basically in the timing of it rather than the technical skill.

We just had to be patient as we watched the drama of this Boomslang trying to kill a rather large Flap-necked Chameleon unfold. It was the first time I had seen anything like it and was quite amazed at the slow deliberation of the Boomslang. There was no urgency about its movements as if it knew the eventual demise of the Chameleon was inevitable even though the Chameleon tried to fight back, it was not fast enough after the snake had struck three times.

Equipment used

• Camera – Canon 7Dmkii
• Lens and Focal length – Sigma Contemporary 150 – 600 f5 – 6.3

Settings used to capture this image

• ISO 3200 – I used a very high ISO value as this all unfolded at night which usually dictates a high value but I put it up more than usual so as to have a higher speed.
• Aperture f/(6.3) – As wide as possible in order to gather as much light as possible.
• Shutter 1/400 – I was anticipating some very speedy moments in this scene and so kept the speed up high to capture it.

Editing used on this image

Basic night editing was used whereby I raised the highlights to lighten the image in general as well as lowering some shadows to give it a nice contrast. Other than that, there was little else to be done.