Step into the wild and capture the elusive beauty of a North American bobcat at the Triple D. Our expertly trained bobcats poses naturally in stunning outdoor settings, giving you the rare chance to create breathtaking, authentic wildlife images without disturbing an animal in the wild. Whether you’re building your portfolio or seeking that once-in-a-lifetime shot, this is a unique opportunity to photographers of all levels.
Scientific Name
Lynx Rufus
Common Names
Bobcat, Red Lynx & Bay Lynx
Description
Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats, typically weighing between 15 to 35 pounds. They have a short, stubby tail and a distinctive ruffed appearance to their fur. Their fur is typically tawny or reddish-brown in color, with black spots and bars on their legs, belly, and tail. Their ears have black tufts of fur on the tips. Their face has a characteristic “lynx- like” appearance, with a ruffed neck, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. They also have distinctive, wide-set, and piercing eyes, that can be yellow, green or brown. Overall, Bobcats have a strong, muscular build and are well adapted for hunting small to medium-sized animals.
Bobcats are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and wetlands. They are also found in some urban areas. They can live in a range of elevations, from sea level to high mountain ranges. They are adaptable animals and can make use of a variety of different types of cover, such as rocks, cliffs, and caves, as well as thickets and underbrush.
Filming Site
There are several filming sites available, each offering a different experience. The season and activity determine if a filming site with a pond, rocky terrain or a forest setting is used. All sites include trees, brush, open areas, and logs.
When Should You Visit
Bobcats are active all year, each season offers a unique photographic opportunity. Bobcats near water in the summer, on snow in the winter, and amongst the autumn colors in the fall. Late spring/early summer baby sessions may offer Bobcat kittens.
What To Expect
The Bobcat begins the session with a lot of energy, exploring the filming location. Shutter speed is a priority to capture the action. During this period of high activity, the Bobcat may run, jump, and possibly exhibit some stalking behaviour The trainers will work the Bobcat around the site, taking advantage of the natural features including trees and logs.
As the session progresses the Bobcat will slowly burn off its excited energy. Slower shutter speeds and apertures with more depth of field can be used. There may be an opportunity at a site with water to photograph a reflection of the Bobcat drinking. Towards the end of the session the Bobcat may pose in front of the photographers.
What You Should Know
Basic skills with your camera to:
- Set exposures for various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to shade;
- Using higher shutter speeds and continuous auto focus to photographic action;
- Switch autofocus modes, eye detection is suitable most of the time however there are situations when a specific point will be preferred, for example when the Bobcat is peeking through some brush.
If you use a tripod or monopod you should know how to:
- Rotate between horizontal and vertical compositions.
- Quickly change the height,especially important when transitioning between standing and kneeling or sitting;
What You Should Bring
Bobcat movement may be quick or in a shady spot, therefore a larger aperture is more beneficial than focal length. The distance to the Bobcat will vary, at times being quite close, thus a zoom lens is more versatile than a large prime lens. A 70-200 f2.8 works well in all situations. A 100-400 (or 80-400) will bring the Bobcat closer, allowing for some intimate portraits.
Extra batteries and memory cards as there is nothing worse than running out. Unlike searching in the wild, a Triple D Bobcat model is present throughout the entire filming session and many photographers take more photos in several minutes than they would in an entire day.
Whether you are a professional, advanced amateur or hobbyist, being comfortable and confident with your equipment is the key success. If you have recently acquired a camera, you should still bring your old camera as a backup. There is nothing worse than struggling to do something with a new camera that you easily accomplished with your old one.
Even if you’ve owned your equipment for years, bring the manual(s) in case there is a setting you rarely or have never used. Loading manuals on your smart device provides convenient access.
A second camera:
- Provides a backup should an equipment failure occur;
- Allows you to continue the session when a battery is depleted or a memory card is full;
- Allows you to continue when your buffer is full;
- Can be equipped with different lenses (medium and long zoom);
- Can be set with a different exposure to easily transition between darker exposures and high-speed action.
First time attendees are often surprised by the large number of photographs they capture. Secondary storage devices are recommended.
If you prefer using a tripod than a quick release system is recommended as you may want to handhold your camera to capture some of the action.
The west side of the Rocky Mountains can experience precipitation year-round, ranging from rain to sleet to wet snow. Rain protection for your equipment will reduce your anxiety in these situations.
What You Should Do
Bring everything you need, including memory cards and batteries, to the photo session. You cannot leave the shooting compound once filming begins.
We’ve all done it one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of chimping. Minimize chimping during the photo session as it decreases battery life and increases the likelihood of missing a great shot.
Remain standing unless the trainer permits the use of a low position. The trainer will specify whether kneeling or sitting is allowed.
Do not touch the Bobcat, the operating permits prohibit public contact with the Triple D animals.
Do not call out to the bobcat or make any noises in order to get its attention. A successful session is only possible when the marten is focused on the trainer.
Silence your phone and do not answer or make phone calls.
Participant covenants and agrees that it will not photograph nor distribute, publish or make public in any manner photographs of:
(1) Any of Providers facilities, including, without limitation, cages, pens, or exercise areas;
(2) Any of the Subject Models when on a leash or in cages or pens;
(3) The Trainers or any of Provider’s employees, either with or without the Subject Models without Providers prior written authorization.
