(c) Alert

Terrific composition and eye contact. Yes, we would all like to have great light, but, we also know that we cannot call for it on demand. Given the conditions you have made the most of the situation and been rewarded with an excellent image of a subject that is not easy to find or photograph in the wild. Your effort has definitely paid off.
Larry Reitz
Salem, CT

I love how the two are looking almost annoyed toward the camera. Some may not like the plants in front but they give the image a wilder look. I think this is an awesome image. Sounds like a great place to do photography.

Great shot Jorne - very sharp, and I love the way those tufts are blowing in the wind!

Beautiful image of this pair Jorne. Knowing they're captive does take away something for me, but regardless, it's a great capture.

Thanks everyone!

Floris: I understand that this being a captive shot takes something away, and I agree, I would have LOVED to shoot this in the wild, but alas I've neither got the time or recources for that kind of project (yet).

Also, just to clarify for everyone: I know I tend to shoot a lot of captive animals, I do however take care in selecting where this is done. I only shoot in wildlife parks where the animals are held for conservation and breeding purposes, not zoo's. In these parks the animals get large spaces where they can exhibit natural behaviour and have room to live. It is in NO way a substitute for a truly wild and free animal, but I do feel parks like this are necesary to preserve wildlife. For instance, altough not a native animal, this park has the largest and most succesfull African Elephant population outside of Africa, with ltos of young elephants being born.

Of course it would be magnificient to photograph lots of these animals in the wild, but the harsh reality is that in Europe there is not a whole lot of 'wild' left and while that is no excuse, I do feel that supporting these parks and showing what is possible here is in no way harmfull to the animals, in contrary.

Just wanted to share this, feel free to discuss! (or, if you prefer please send me an email, not sure if Brad and Vincent want another discussion here )

Jorne, it took me a second before I realised there are two! And actually that makes me like the image even better. You have a very strong composition here with that triangular close FG and then a far well OOF BG that adds to the context. Great poses and those ear tufts blowing in the wind is icing on the cake.
I appreciate you abide by the posting rules and state that these are captive animals.And although it does make a difference in the overall appreciation this (or any) image can and will generate, this is still a very good photo Jorne.

If people wish to add a bit about their views on wildlife parks or making images of captive animals in reply to your additional comment, besides commenting on the photographic elemenst of your image, that is fine with me as long as this thread is not going to turn into a discussion ground.

Love the shot! Great detail and composition. Thanks for sharing.

I agree with Vincent that this is a super composition. The only thing I wonder about, and it is not a big concern, is that the lynx and the grass just in front of them, seem to jump from their surroundings in terms of brightness, but with no shadows evident the light would seem like it should have been the same. It is more evident in the small edition, so maybe I am seeing a post processing effect with selective sharpening or brightness. I love those ear tufts and how you were able to isolate them against the far background.

Great shot of what I assume are Iberian lynx. Regardless of wind, light or environment IMHO this is an outstanding shot of these rare felines.

Absolutely beautiful capture! I love the comp you chose here. Well done.

shane

Hi Jorne,

I have to say that this is one of my favourite Jorne de Bruin images to date! I like the strong diagonal formed by the rocks and I think the lynx's are positioned absolutely optimally. Those ear tufts are great. My only nit pertains to a technical issue that may or may not apply to the original file (i.e., could be a processing issue) - when I look at the larger version, I get the feeling that the image could be sharper. I don't know if you were shooting of a tripod or not (my guess is "no"), so perhaps shutter speed has played a role? Or...perhaps a coming equipment upgrade (that I know is coming) didn't come quite soon enough? (totally kidding on this last bit Jorne).

And...thanks for the complete and open disclosure on the status of the animals (i.e., captive). I have no nits whatsoever with anyone shooting images of captive animals and posting them in the Fauna Gallery as long as they follow the guidelines and disclose the shooting conditions. Thank you!

Cheers Jorne - chat soon...

Brad

excellent comp. agree with all previously said. you would be extremely lucky to get an image like this in the wild.

Looks very impressive !
I'm happy with the setting, but find the front rock bit dominating the scene. So as a matter of personal taste, may prefer to crop some of the bottom rock.
Jagdeep Rajput

Captive or not this has made a lovely image. I really like the alert pose and the composition is spot on. Noise level looks great for that high ISO. Graham

Great comp !!!!

Stunning photo of these beautiful wild cats. Depth of field and nice sharp focus on the subjects are just right.

Pretty cats and very nice image.