Hi everyone, I've decided to post some of my favorite bobcat photos in this gallery. For those who don't know me, I'm an aspiring 13 year old photographer living in central MN. I have been doing nature and wildlife photography since I was 10, and I plan on becoming a professional nature photographer when I'm older. Last January I went to Badlands National Park for photography with my dad and a friend of ours, what I didn't expect to find was a family of three wild bobcats never before photographed (as far as I know). I was already sure that I would be spending the rest of my life taking pictures before this trip, but once I had this experience, it was life changing.
Shortly after my January trip I posted my results on a website I had been a member of for about a year, but never really posted much, or knew much about the site in general. The website was called naturephotographers.net, and by posting my photos on this site, I have learned far more than I ever could have alone. The feedback I received was incredible, and it inspired me to learn about all aspects of nature photography, including the digital darkroom (something I had neglected to learn for years). So to everyone participating in this website, especially the moderators, I have to say a big THANK YOU!
After my January trip to the badlands, I decided to test my luck and went back in March, only to find them again and get the best shot of my life. Finding these bobcats takes hours upon hours and its almost always for a few minutes glimpse of one of the cats, but sometimes I got lucky and was treated to photo experiences very few, if any photographers in the world have gotten. This photo was taken on the last day of my first trip to the Badlands, the only day all three of the cats were together. At first I didn't like the fact that the cubs were looking at me and the mother wasn't, but I've realized that it really shows the personalities of the cats better than if all three were looking at me smiling. The cubs are naturally curious and therefore were seen much more than the mom, who did everything she could to avoid us. With the cubs looking at me with their piercing eyes and the mother looking out across the Badlands, I think it tells much more of a story.
Sorry for the long post, and thanks to anyone who read the entire thing
I encourage everyone to comment on what they like, dislike, or what could be improved upon. Please be sure to check out the larger version if you can. Thanks again, Joe
Nikon D90
500mm f4
ISO400
f11.0
1/350th
taken from car window
Comments
13 commentsYou are to be commended for your efforts, I don't know about the aspiring seems to me you are a photographer already. Your passionate about your subject and your long post was actually well thought out and presented. In regards to the image, the focus on the cats is great and you captured a moment of spontaneity. With that since your focus in the image is the Bobcats you might want to consider a tighter crop around them, since the focus is soft in the background I don't think you'll be losing much. I think it will also give the image more impact.
Paul
Gary.
I agree about trying a tighter crop, since the BG here draws a bit of attention away from this group of cats.
I also agree with Carol about honing your already-good writing skills too, for exactly the reason she mentions. I'm sure we'll see your articles in major journals, and not in the too-distant future.
Sandy r
- Dan.
I've enjoyed all of your Bobcat image post and was surprised and heartened to learn of your age. This one is the cream of the crop and it would appear that the post processing is better here than your original post.
I would agree with Carol about your writing skills and take it a step further to say develop your post processing and computer skills as well. They will all need to be melded together in the future and you really have a nice start at all.
Also, cherish the time afield with your father.It was the greatest gift mine gave to me and the reason "I'm never alone in Nature"
Cheers
Neil
Lon