Back from the brink

[pauln]

You may have seen recently that a reserve in Russia have started a breeding and protection program for the worlds most endangered big cat, the Amur Leopard. Up until now, the Amur Leopard found on the Russian/ Chinese boarder was at a critically Low level with as few as 36 known individuals left in the world. A Russian reserve recently stepped in to protect these creatures and already in under a year their numbers have doubled to over 60 individuals. They are one of my most favourite animals and I am not really a cat person so they must have something special about them. Long may their numbers increase before we loose yet another species, never to return again.

 

[pauln]

Thank you Ron :)

[JHFoto]

Superb photography again Paul...................

[pauln]

Thank you Jeff :)

[Clicker]

Absolute beautiful work Paul.... I love the contrast in textures too : the smooth black, the soft coat and the hard wood ..... and the composition ticks all the boxes in my opinion. Majestic ... And inspiring photography ... Erm ... Yer could say I really like it.

[Black Pearl]

The edges are a bit rough, not sure the central (which I usually love) positioning works, don't think the subject suits a black background as it is completely unnatural and I feel you've pushed the clarity slider too far causing hard edges to the visible parts.

 

This technique can be affective if used very occasionally and on very select images but it is not right for every subject.

[kev7d]

I don't think this one is quite right for me Paul. I don't think this meets the standard of some of your animal head style shots. The selection looks a bit awkward in parts and does not quite blend with the background? I think when other elements along with the animal are used against the black background the image loses a bit of credibility? Just my opinion, others will disagree. :)

[pauln]

Thank you Clicker, black pearl and Kev :)

[ChrisLumix]

Would a slight crop help in this one?

 

[NannyFerret]

I love the lighting. It's almost like it was taken at night with a spot light on it.

He stands out nicely .

[pauln]

Thank you Chris and Nanny

[Heather]

Sorry Paul, im usually a big fan of your pictures but this one doesnt really work with the black background, maybe its because you have the branch/log in the picture and therefore you expect to see more fauna in the background?  It  doesnt seem to work as well as your closeup animals with nothing but the animal in them 

[Rick448]

I love the cat but it would probably have been better without the back background. I wish I'd been in a position to take the shot for sure..

[FUJI]

Hi, Paul,

Sorry I've been a bit slow in responding to this post........I pass all of your posted photographs on to a Wildlife Artist mate of mine, who specialises in and is potty about wild Felines of all types.

He is extremely impressed with your work, these included.

I must admit that you don't get it right every time, but who does?

Keep up the good work.

FUJI

[pauln]

Thank you everyone, criticism is great for me regardless whether it is good or bad so thank you all :)