Panthera tigris (Tiger)

Panthera tigris (common name: Tiger)

Tigers are always the highlight of any zoo. This is justified because of their sheer size, their nonchalant moves, their striking colouration and the feeling of sheer power they show. Getting close to them is out of the question so you have a limited number of options. I still had to capture the size of the front paw of this magnificent animal. Though it rested peacefully, it is a symbol of the animal's strength.

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED @ 400 mm
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/350, f8 Aperture priority
Flash:SB800 in i-TTL
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized. 

Resting 

Resting in the shade, with the mouth slightly open to improve ventilation. I couldn't help but admiring this ferocious predator.

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Tamron SP AF180mm f/3.5 Macro<
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/125, f8 Aperture priority
Flash:SB800 in i-TTL
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized. 

Watching 

The feline grace and composition of this beautiful tiger was captivating. Despite its size its step was light and quiet while it kept staring at the visitors at all times. Though apparently relaxed it was clear the animal felt in control and was ready to attack at the first instance of provocation.

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Tamron SP AF180mm f/3.5 Macro
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/250, f8 Aperture priority
Flash:SB800 in i-TTL
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized. 

Thirsty 

Anybody who has a cat will immediately recognise this posture - and that is what I found amazing. Despite its mass and ferocious nature this animal is as playful and "cute" as any household kitten. Notice the ears though - pulled backwards to pick up any noises coming from its rear - and flat against the head, which is a sign the animal is ready to attack if need be.

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 300 mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/200, f4, Aperture priority
Flash: No flash
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized. 

Walking 

To me tigers are the most beautiful animals in the Panthera family. I wanted to capture the markings on the head and the white "eyeliner", which I find captivating. 

Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: Nikkor AF-S 300 mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/800, f2.8 Shutter priority
Flash: No flash
Exp. Bias Value: -1EV
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized. 

Panthera tigris (common name: Tiger)
 
Tigers are always the highlight of any zoo. This is justified because of their sheer size, their nonchalant moves, their striking coloration and the feeling of sheer power they show. Getting close to them is out of the question so you have a limited number of options. I used a long telephoto lens and a medium aperture to avoid the wires of the cage but still have some depth of field to capture the magnificent head of this animal. 
 
Photos by George J. Reclos
 
Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED @ 400 mm
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/250 and 1/350, f8 Aperture priority
Flash:SB800 in i-TTL
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS, levels adjusted, USM added and resized.
 

Taking a bath

This is Niourka, one of the two tigers of Attica Park. While her much younger mate was excited with the visitors Niourka ignored us all and decided it was time for a bath.  While bathing she kept looking at my direction so it was a good photo opportunity. The light conditions were poor as it was a late winter afternoon and Niourka was at a distance. I lowered the aperture value to get a decent exposure speed and gave it a shot.

Photo by Marina Parha

Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon D2X
Lens: NikKor AF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/50, f5.6 Aperture priority
Flash:none
Image: JPEG edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, USM added and resized.