Siberian Tiger

[Kiran Khanzode]

Well, he does look just as big as a Siberian, doesn't he ? It's a Royal Bengal.... :-).

Image is full frame, taken in 2008 from a very fruitful trip to Bandhavgarh National Park, India. See, it's easy to get a low angle as long as one is willing to park the elephant and lay down in the grass along with him, no gizmos needed. :-), J/K.

Taken with EOS 30D, 400 f/5.6 @5.6, 1/250 s, ISO 640, hand held, ~9am, FF, inspiration from Frans Lanting

Hopefully his eyes keep you involved and you forget about the tight framing. :)

Regards,

Kiran

[peter delaney]

Indeed a great portrait... crop as you say is tight, the eyes does hold your attention , tack sharp were it is needed ...the only thing that takes away from the image is the tree on RHS .. I know it is difficult to park the elephant so maybe this was the only angle you could get...

wonderful image either way..

peter

[Harshad Barve]

Excellent image Kiran , I know why you love this buddy :)
Tight frame works very well
TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Would go tighter above the head Kiran, to reduce the 'tree' behind?

A nice portrait, always great to see a good looking Tiger :)

[Kiran Khanzode]

I know why you love this buddy :)

TFS

Haha...yes, you know it too :-)

[Ed Cordes]

Yes the wonderful eyes keep my interest. the tight framing does not bother me at all. However, there does seem to be something funny going on at the top of the head on image right and at the image right side of the tiger's head near the eye. Looks like flare or something getting in the way or post processing artifacts.

[Kiran Khanzode]

Thanks, Ed. That's OOF grass if you are talking about the top right of the frame. As for the right eye and surrounding area, the tiger was sidelit (from his right), maybe the light on the ruff is what you are talking about.

Processing on the image was minimal. No fancy stuff :-)

[Alfred Forns]

Compelling portrait and on good looking tiger !! Agree on the tree but very strong as presented !!!

[Arthur Morris]

Looks quite powerful to me, both the animal and the image. The tree was bad luck. Are you allowed off of the elephant???

[Kiran Khanzode]

Thx guys, for your opinions and feedback. I personally would have liked a bit more space to the right..but, it's ok.... :-)

Art, I was joking, This tiger was way too close for me to even dare to sneeze.

I have heard about a mahout's (elephant driver's) son that fell down while riding the elephant from the front (head) during a tiger show, the tiger snatched the kid by his neck and was gone in a flash. Knowing that, I would definitely not step down ever.....

I have stopped(minimized) riding eles nowadays in India due to the harassment the animals involved suffer during these rides. Of course, I think it's still one of the best ways to get extreme close-ups and candid shots.

[Harshad Barve]

I have stopped(minimized) riding eles nowadays in India due to the harassment the animals involved suffer during these rides. Of course, I think it's still one of the best ways to get extreme close-ups and candid shots.

No more elephant show in Bandhavgarh :) They started showing male tigers only few days ago but stopped imediately as all males showing big time aggression

[Harshad Barve]

Haha...yes, you know it too :-)

I was lucky to sight your friend today , he is grown up as big as B2:)

[Kiran Khanzode]

Good to know the Tigers are finally taking control of tiger shows in BG :-). Also glad to know you spotted this guy, yea, he was huge at 18 mo of age, I can imagine how he looks now...have a good time there, come back with gold.