out for an evening stalk

[Lisa Flory]

Canon 30D
1/400
F4.5
ISO 640
exposure -0.67
80mm


OK, here's another tiger image, taken with another cheap lens..Canon EF 75-300 F/4.0-5.6 so it is not super sharp. There is a little bit cropped off all 4 sides, but not much.

The tiger images were from Exotic Feline Rescue Center. The center has an option where you can spend two days, including sleeping overnight in a cabin less than 10 feet from some of the cats' enclosures! Mom and I had an awesome time! There are only two rules: #1 stay back from the enclosures (paws can reach through their wide spaced wires). #2 be in the cabin by night fall. We found out why! As night got closer, the moods of the cats changed from lethargic to "stalking" . The next morning the owner said we were imagining things. Ha! What do you think? This was close to dusk. at 8:30 p.m.

I like a vertical crop showing more tree height to give it a more 'wild' atmosphere, but due to pixel requirement here, I cropped it more square. I have another image of a much more stalking pose, but just have a small version of it.

what do you think?
Thanks!

[Cheryl Flory]

Yes, this image is a bit soft too.


I remember this well! lol It was a simple two person project. I would try to get the cats attention, and Lisa had the camera.

To get their attention in the evening was easy, all you had to do was to stand by the enclosure (they would appear to be sleeping). Then you turn your back and quickly walk away. (They would be on their feet and "stalking" immediately). It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. :eek: We were definitely in the cabin before night!

Wonderful place, would recommend the two day stay. the extra benefits were well worth the additional money. Plus it took us most of the first day to realize how to get the photos we wanted from the cats. What can I say, some people are slower learners than others. :)

[Desmond Chan]

I like the color of the tiger and the lighting condition seems to be good, too, at that time. I think this photo could be a tad brighter though and it could use some more room all round but particularly on both the left and the right. If it looks soft on the screen, sharpens it a bit then.

[Lance Peters]

Agree with Desmond - I would selectively lighten the Tigers faces, as my eye is drawn to the righest part of the image which is the front leg. Doesn't look too soft on my screen.

:)

[Nonda Surratt]

Well that is one, get your attention photo, nice and menacing:eek: Cool

Agree with the critiques

[Harold Davis]

doesnt look that soft to me either!!! and at f/4.5, the back cat looks sharp!! nice job!! i'm thinking some flash fill would have helped bring out some more detail in the darker faces. and would add a little more room all around too. i like the idea of making it more of a vertical. cool shot!!

[Lisa Flory]

thank you for your suggestions!
Is this lighter enough?

How do you draw your attention to the face, and still keep an evening look to it?

[Harold Davis]

does look a lot better, lisa!! nice job!!

[Stephen Cunliffe]

despite the technical nits, this shot really communicates. I had to lean back from my screen!

[Desmond Chan]

How do you draw your attention to the face, and still keep an evening look to it?

How about something like this?

[Harold Davis]

nice job, desmond!! i like the way you kept the bg darkened!!

[Alfred Forns]

Great thread !!!!!

I like you re post Lisa Remember that lens will produce sharp images, no question. It will have problems at the corners, distortion etc but can be sharp.

From drawing attention to the tigers try darkening the corners some. Desmomd did well and you can vary the affect to taste !!! Must have been exciting !!!

[Julie Kenward]

Beautiful image and I love the reposts! I think Desmond's is getting a bit dark overall but a dark vignette applied around the edges and even a soft blur on their paws and back can keep your focus on the face without ruining the feel of the image.

[Gus Cobos]

Excellent repost Lisa. The tigers are not soft at all. I like the composition...:cool:

[Amy DeStefanis]

I'm trying to figure out how anyone can tear their eyes away from those faces - even in the first post. What a great shot - I'll have to put this place on my list of things to do....

I doubt, though, that I can talk my mom into being bait.... (of course, if she weren't almost 70, I'm sure she'd consider it....) Guess that's what husbands are for. "For better or for bait". :)

Was this hand-held? or on a tripod?

Amy D.