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WC 562 - Captive Cougar

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted November 30, 20121,076 views14 comments

On this day, it was snowing hard enough we almost didn't go out, as the visibility was so poor. Luckily it cleared enough to create a wonderful atmosphere across the valley.

I'm glad we ended up going out, this has become one of my personal favorites. Thanks for looking

Canon 40D, ISO 400, 70-200mm lens @ 78mm, 1/400s at f5.6

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Scott Fricke on November 30, 2012 at 12:56 AM

Amazing image Karen, perfectly composed. It sure did pick a photogenic tree to roost on.

Registered on January 19, 2007, 133 Posts, 1448 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Reed on November 30, 2012 at 9:00 AM

Karen,
That is an amazing shot. The tree, the cat...even the ridgeline in the back. Throw in the snow and you have captured a special moment..

Registered on September 19, 2009, 198 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on November 30, 2012 at 9:02 AM

No wonder this has become one of your favorites, as you say in the caption. This is a stunning picture. Perfectly composed against an almost painterly BG. I notice the focal length of 78 mm. Very close. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on November 30, 2012 at 5:11 PM

Love it! Wonderful mood with the falling snow, and that exceptional stump. Where was this taken?
Sweet!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 30, 2012 at 8:16 PM

I'm really not a fan of captive wildlife photos. But, I realize there are very few opportunities to photograph some aniamls in the wild, especially cougars.
That said, this is simply an incredibley attractive image, a fine piece of artwork. Well seen and captured Karen

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on December 1, 2012 at 2:45 AM

A very unique and perfectly composed shot, Karen! The exposure is great as is the level of detail and the old tree really makes the shot. Captive or not, this was a very special opportunity and you captured it exceptionally well!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on December 1, 2012 at 7:23 AM

Awesome!

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on December 1, 2012 at 9:40 PM

This is a fine capture, Karen! The vertical orientation really works well with the overall comp you have in this image. Very photogenic tree although it does look like a very precarious place for this cougar to sit. The cougar is perfectly placed in your comp and provides a nice spot of color in this mostly monochromatic color scheme. Love the snow, the expression and pose of the cougar, your tree base placed perfectly in the right corner, the varying shades of snowy gray in the background. . .there is so much to appreciate in this image, Karen. Well done!

Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on December 1, 2012 at 11:35 PM

Neat shot, with that craggy snag and the cougar up top....pretending to be a big bird...and the snow. The background adds a lot, with just enough detail to say mountains.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 5, 2012 at 2:58 PM

Great WP - congrats!
A very stunning image -

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on December 5, 2012 at 3:39 PM

Great image. Congratulations on the WP!

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on December 6, 2012 at 1:16 PM

Karen: My cursory glance at the thumbnail made me expect to see an owl but imagine my shock and awe at seeing this is a cougar

! Captive or not, this is a superb image and I also commend you for divulging up front that it is a captive. Exceptional photography. >=))>

PS: I'd also like to know where this was taken.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Alister Benn on December 9, 2012 at 8:34 PM

Captive or not, this shot tells us so much of the nature of these wonderful cats. A truly superb image and a pleasure to view.

Registered on June 9, 2011, 23 Posts, 258 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on December 12, 2012 at 5:58 PM

A wonderful capture! Nice work Karen.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments