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Cougar's yawn


Cougar's yawn
Photo Information
Copyright: Annick Vanderschelden (vanderschelden) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2712 W: 78 N: 7405] (30147)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-12-02
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon 350D (Digital Rebel XT), 70-200f2.8L IS
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-12-28 7:17
Viewed: 993
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Photographer's note:
Yesterday evening, after work, I walked in the garden and saw this guy. I served him a cup of milk and let him read my 'admirer''s critiques posted yesterday; I mean the ones with zero points smileys and their 'in-depth critiques'.
And THAT's the way I got this beautiful yawn.
Afterwards I say to him: "and here is their portfolio"; I got an even bigger yawn; could not publish though 'cause the cougar's beautiful eyes weren't visible any more if you know what I mean.:-)

Now.. serious...(-;
I took this shot at a rainy and cloudy day, just before twilight.
So not a lot light available..asking a lot from the 800asa sensor, if you ask me.
Especially when the subject has moving elements as he was yawning after reading the 'zoo police critiques', it is rather difficult to get an appropriate shutter speed.
I remember it was a great feeling being alone with that amazing animal in the rain at evening in a ZOO. Yes, in a ZOO.:-) It was laying not further away than a few meters where I was laying. Sometimes almost contact...at least it felt like that.
Big cats can be quite and rest most of the day but suddenly they can show what they got...
This one -the cougar- has really a 'wow' acceleration...

This year I had the opportunity to take a lot of photographs in zoo's, park's, natural reserves,...you name it. I spend a lot of time there...
So I've been a lot in contact with the people taking care of these animals every day.
I remember chatting to a girl holding a golden eagle
at the Beekse Bergen in the Netherlands.
I remember another ranger in Oerle coming to me and saying: "If you want I can open cages and let you in..." I was a bit surprised and I got in...
Not with the Tiger of course...
There were lots of other great moments...
So I want to thank those people...all of them; also those who were a bit irritated 'cause I spend to long with 'their' monkey's with that big lens,...and so forth.
THANKS!

I wish you a great day!
pvb, peter_stoeckl, marhowie, metcher has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Denis Silver Star Critiquer [C: 18 W: 0 N: 178] (12)
  • [2006-12-28 7:48]

Hi Annick,
I like this picture, it is as sharp as can be and the colors are good. The background is neutral and make the subject stand out and there are no distracting elements. You sure picked the right moment to trigger the camera. I like your chat too. Good show.
Denis

Hello Annick,

Excllent work, great colors Bg POV DOF perfect details very crisp, nicly capture at hte perfect moment.

TFS Kyle

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
  • [2006-12-28 10:19]

Hello Annick,
That tongue looks like it could lick the chrome off a cars bumper. Very good detail and color in this capture. I feel much like him as I'm home ill today. Thanks for sharing, Rick

  • Great 
  • pvb Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 376 W: 16 N: 495] (1861)
  • [2006-12-28 14:16]

Hi Annick,
Prachtig portrait, de details zijn perfect vooral de snorharen en de tong. Heel goed gelukt ondanks de 800asa.
Heb genoten van de note.
Fijne avond.
Paula

Hello Annick,
another well captured, dynamic frontal approach of our friend the Cougar. Well composed image with soft natural colours - I love the colours and details of that gourmet's pretty tongue!
All the best to you and your family for 2007 - Happy New Year!
With best regards,
Peter

Very good composition and POV of your excited cougar Annick :) I do like the colors and OOF green BG, excellent.
Happy New Year!

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6167] (21074)
  • [2006-12-29 0:26]

That is a great yawn you caught, Annick.
It says a lot. : P
I really like the POV and the expression on that cougar.
Very fine details brought out in excellent sharpness and exposure.
TFS. : )

Hello Annick,
I won't enter in a debate here but I just wonder what is going on with certain members on this site... I just wish those people, instead of only critiquing other people’s work could at least show us some pictures of their own...

This is a great shot with excellent details and composition. This is a very nice capture with good timing. Thanks for this nice story about your great experiences.
Claudine

bonjour annick

excelent portrait de ce Cougar's yawn
trés belle photo

Hi Annick,

GREAT. Perfect details.

Biswarup

Hi, Annick.
Wonderful expression. Good exposure, sharpness and details. Well composed also. Nice color and clean green BG. And thanks.

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