Vigilant Vixen

[Bill Jobes]

While photographing a lone kit near a den, the mother returns with prey.

She turns her attention to me, and continues to approach until I back away

Her body language was clear, and her facial expression intense.

I tried to pay tribute to it with this tight crop.

D3
200-400VR at 400 mm
F/7.1
1/2000
ISO 1250

Comments and critiques always welcomed and much appreciated.

[Alfred Forns]

I like the tight portrait Bill !! Wold go even tighter on the top and would lighten up the left eye area !!! ... doesn't look like a happy camper .. good idea moving away !!!

[Bill Jobes]

Great suggestions .... thank you, Al !

[Fabs Forns]

Ahhh, if eyes could kill, Bill would not be here now :)

Gret eye contact and expression, great idea to back up. Agree on cropping of the top and if you had more room at bottom, even better.

[Bill Jobes]

Thanks Al and Fabs for the great comments and observations.

Here's my much looser first crop on the image, before I started to experiment with tighter views.

[Ed Cordes]

I like the tight crop better. It gives a more threatening feel. I would consider lightening the Fox's right eye (observer's left).

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Bill,
The tighter crop is better. I would take off a bit from the top as well. Sharp image, good depth of field. The intense looks makes this image. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Bill Jobes]

Thanks Ed and Sabyasachi !

I've redone the image with your suggestions, and those of others, and it looks much improved.

[DanWalters]

Love the tight crop and the eye contact as well.

[Bill Jobes]

Thanks, Dan !
It was quite an experience.