Paka
Malayn Tiger photographed in his zoo habitat
Malayn Tiger photographed in his zoo habitat
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Apr, 2013Views
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Awards
Legendary Award
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
Superior Skill
Great Find
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at our local zoo, The Fresno Chaffee ZooTime
This image was taken in the late morning to early afternoon.Lighting
Natural daylight.Equipment
My camera is a Nikon D800; lens is a Nikor 70-200 f2.8 VR; no external flash was used; The photo was hand held while braced agains the habitats railing.Inspiration
The tiger pictured is Paka, a beautiful Mayalan tiger. At 17 years old he enjoyed interacting with his human admirers and would regularly walk the boundaries of his environment. While admiring his striking pattern and beauty, I noticed he would make and hold eye contact, even through my lens. These qualities combined with his breeds endangers species status and his patcipation in a pure breeding program that inspired this and many other images. Paka sired many Cubs, four who were born to Mek just prior to a sudden illness requiring and death.Editing
My images are shot in Raw, transferred to Lightroom where I review, pick my favs and star rate them. I make basic adjustments, such as; WB, exposure as needed, curves for contrast and then into photoshop for further refinement. I created a 'basic' action that I run on every image. Layers include: Threshold for W/B black point; Curves for w/b, exposure and contrast; Dodge and Burn (curves); clone corrections for any none essential distractions; Lumosity adjustments and selective sharpening. I run this action and use only the adjustments necessary to each image.In my camera bag
I shoot with a Nikon D800 and use Nikor lenses. Lenses include: 24-70, 105 macro, 70-200, and wide angle. All are 2.8 f-stop and have VR when available. SB800 and sunpak speed lights with wireless transmitters. A monopod and tripod.Feedback
I studied my subject, Paka, learning his behavior patterns and how he moved through his environment. I moved around the viewing areas finding a location that allowed me to shoot in multiple directions. I found fencing that allowed me to shoot through so it wasn't visible in the image. Paka's enclosure is open shade most of the time and allowed me to meter on Paka. Wild animals don't't move, set or away on command so, be patient.
