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@Ajay: I initially converted this to black and white - as there was a green bush at his rear - that was distracting. As it was the same gray tones as the rocks behind - I didn't have to clone it out in PS: only shift to Black and White. I plan to post another black and white in two days, drop by again soon. Thanks for your kind comments.

@sh: Many thanks. It's keep staring at me when I look at it. Appreciate you dropping a nice comment.

@ordinaryimages: I'll play more with the contrast. It showed more contrast on my monitor. I'm thinking that there may something in the color space between sRGB and Adobe. Still learning... I will check out the post for digital silver imaging: thanks for that link. I am editing in PS CS3. Not even sure what tools I should use for B/W. BTW, your comments are EXACTLY what I look for from others: great example to follow. I uploaded a version with more contrast about two hours after Jerry's comments - usually don't repost- but he was right on the image change needed,

@Photosanity: Jerry is suggesting more contrast, I'm playing with that in PS right now. Yes, it was a great photoshoot: hope to return to Triple D again soon. Great eagle post tonight!

@EYES WIDE SHUT: High praise from someone that is a master of light and shadow. Thank you. I check out your portfolio every day to learn more from you. You have a great eye.

@Magda: Magda, Thank you for your kind words.

@tetsu: Yes, and maybe that's why I tripped. Imagine them staring at you for about forty minutes at less than twenty feet away: and no fence between us!

@Linda: Thank you Linda. Appreciate your reviewing and giving me your thoughts on the square composition.

@Sarito: Thanks Sarito. I still struggle with B/W. Playing in PS right now on some images to learn from Jerry's post earlier

@Sarah: Great link Sara - thanks for the pointer to the other B/W cat photo today.

@Lomantik: Thank you Lomantik. I reaslly sppreciate you dropping in a comment as you came by the blog.

@Linerberry: Thsnks. I loved your Monochrome post today - the nearly human sized chess pieces are a quite compelling subject.

@Veronique: Merci Veronique. What matters in the end is that the image creates a mood and response, not the technical approach. Thank you for your kind words.

@zOOm: Yes, it wasn't like I caught his "attitude" - he was looking at me pretty much nonstop for forty minutes like this. i was hoping I wasn't his breakfast.

@Drey: The Siberian Lynx with its large paws, and the tufts of black hair on the ears was one of my favorites of the weekend at Triple D Game Ranch. Thank you on your kind words.

@Migue Hau: Thanks Migue. It was a great opportunity to see wild young animals in a "relatively" natural setting up close and personal. Appreciate you dropping a note on this blog.

@Barbara: Only a few images seem to work for a square crop. I'm trying to use it more: as it causes a matted and framed print to look more "artsy" and not just a "snapshot". I think more contrast may be appropriate: I will start playing with that more - you and Jerry both suggested such. If you read the Triple D link, let me know what you think : what animals do you like best there?

@bluechameleon: I think the tufts of hair are the best. I wish there was a bit more light on the whiskers in this photo, and if I could shoot it again, I'd probably go for a tad larger f/stop than f/2.8. I was fighting light, pushing the ISO, snd was fortunate to get his eyes in focus.

@Mandy: I'm flattered you keep coming back for more, and you always drop me a note. You have some very strong emotional images in your work. You must enjoy the intensity that photography induces.

@Viewfinder: I think he wanted me for breakfast, for sure. It was just after sunrise, and I'm not sure the game handlers fed him well enough. I understand that Toby is still stalking photographers, but is about twice the size now.

@Veronelle: Merci Veronelle. The cuteness of a young Lynx is deceiving. Toby wanted breakfast, and really liked me.

@Simply Col: How can you note the square crop, when those eyes are staring right at you, right? Thanks Simply Col for your comments : I bet this Cat would look great in Winnipeg on a wintry's day?

@Manuela M: Merci Manuela. It was a good trip. Appreciate your comments.

@Rags: Thanks Rags, it's harder for me when I shoot with a shallow DOF: but the images, when they work REALLY work. I think you've got great stuff on your blog. I'll be watching yours for sure.

@xavier cardell: The image popped better after I applied stronger contrast that Jerry and Barbara suggested. AM3 gives me great feedback, and I know my images will get stronger in time. Xavier, Thanks for the kind words.

@Marie LC: Don't you love baby animals. Check out the triple-d game farm link for some fantastic shots of other babies.

@Didier DE ZAN: Merci. Appreciate the comment and dropping by.

@Ana Lúcia: Obrigado. Sua foto do cogumelo era hoje fantástica!

@NADINE DERUYCK: Thanks. That's a special word to a photographer. One I love to hear. Thanks for adding your notes to the blog today. Bill

@Susan: Susan, the color shot wasn't as good - if you look closely at the B&W image you will see a branch just to the left of the Lynx. It was the only bright green in the shot. Everything else was browns, whites and blacks. My eyes were drawn to it, not the cat's face. When I went monochrome, it faded out. However, if you wish, I'll email you the color jpg - so you can see what I mean - let me know.

@Susan: I will forward it to you in just a few minutes. Thanks for being willing to look at the color one as well.

@Larry Bliss: Thank you Larry. Having a lynx stare you down before you have eaten breakfast reminded me of the circle of life quite a bit. I just loved the intensity of it. Do you by chance live in Raleigh, NC? I lived there for seven years, and fondly remember this time of year before the heat rises in the summer. A beautiful place.

@jim: Jim - great story about the area around Sebastapol. The difference for me (from your bobcats) - there was a trainer/handler about ten feet away: can't imagine if I saw one in the wild like you describe. Glad the intensity came through in the photo for you.

@Pierre: Merci Pierre. I may post a color version later - as several have commented that they think the image may work in color as well. The square cropping is an experiment: as I noticed this format from medium format cameras: and I wanted to try. Appreciate you dropping a note as you looked at the photo.

@Michael: Great feedback Michael. I am working on my titles, and had help from my attorney wife on this one (she's much better at words than I am). I'll tell her you liked the title.

@Steve George: So true Steve. I do indeed live and learn. The softness in this image behind the face bothers me also. The tail is in the image, but is so soft you can't even see it's a tail. I was pushing ISO, speed, and f/stop for all the light I could : and it was so dark, I didn't think I could get much more (and I wasn't going to let the shot get away). I probably could have gone to f/4.0 from f/2.8 : but I bet I needed at least a f/11 to get the DOF we both would want. Thoughts on what the right balance between graininess (ISO), movement (shutter speed), and DOF (f/stop)? I struggle with that anytime the light isn't great. Excellent comment Steve - I may sound defensive at times: but I really want to hear this feedback. Without it, I will not improve.

@jamesy: thanks. the wine from your part of the world is fantastic. I enjoyed the sauvignon blanc this weekend with such intense flavors. Must come visit new zealand some day. Thanks for your kind words on Toby's ears!

@eva: Merci Eva. I appreciate you adding a comment to the blog.

@Virgil: I really think he did. Toby was so cute, if he weren't a lynx, I may have petted him!

@daniela scharnowski: thank you Daniela. This little lynx cub "tracked" me with her eyes for nearly an hour - and I was less than six meters away for the whole time. It gave me some good shots as a result. I liked this one because of the texture in the rock, the gaze, and the sharp image.