There is nothing quite like seeing a tiger in the wild. And when it is the dominant 550lbs. male it is awesome. Finding a tiger is something like finding a needle in a haystack. You see spoor (paw prints), you hear warning calls, roars, but you don't see anything...and then as you drive down a road it appears and walks toward you. The hair on the back of your neck stands straight up and your heart starts racing...one of about 3200 of the remaining wild tigers was walking straight towards me. No time to change to my 300mm lens from the 70-200mm but ok, make due with what you have...make a decision...do I open up the lens to try to get separation from the background or stop it down a bit to make sure of focus...up the ISO, what shutter speed to ensure the cat's not blurry...look at the tiger not just through the view finder...remember this may be the only time in my life I get to do this...don't blow it....all those thoughts in about 5 seconds and then its go time. He walks into the shade, the head then gets a bit of light, then shade again and then into the woods and across dead into the easterly sun...oh crap....as bad light as I could get, switch to the 500mm and then shoot, shoot, shoot and deal with the post processing nightmare later. Watch him lay down, stare at me, yawn, yawn, get up to get a drink, scent mark and then like a ghost....disappear....was it a dream, no just an incredibly exhilarating moment. We would have a couple more sightings but nothing like this..and it was just us alone...magic!
WOW! Eric, I'm very happy for you for this rare moments. Not only you have witnessed this magnificent animal, but the captures are spectacular! Congratulations for a job well done!
What an exciting, stupendous moment for you and so well captured, thanks much for sharing!! I have gone through a similar moment with a Bear or two and there is nothing like it, Scary, uplifting, liberating and nervewracking all at once and you came through like a champ, Well done!!
Larry
Man this forum has talent and very very brave talent I guess the majestic beauty of this creature would have me locked in place to enjoy for better or for worse Eric, man your commentary had me up on the edge of my seat buddy......incredible experience and well shared by words and images!
I appreciated all the shots but it is #5 that is most captivating for me, the little highlight in the eye and the dedicated look you got is remarkable. The image is interesting in that at 1/200th there was a tiny bit of motion blur in the paw and perhaps the legs or body but the head and eyes couldn't look better and more powerful, sweet one buddy, wow!
OK, catching my breath and going back for another look..............................thanks
Fantastic set Eric. No "buck fever" for you. Congrats on finding him too. My only suggestion would be to get out of the vehicle so you could get a lower angle... ~ Ron
I guess the majestic beauty of this creature would have me locked in place to enjoy for better or for worse Eric, man your commentary had me up on the edge of my seat buddy......incredible experience and well shared by words and images!
~ Ron