The Canada lynx is a mysterious and elegant wild cat, perfectly adapted to life in the dense forests and snowy landscapes of North America. At Triple D, photographers have the opportunity to observe these cats in a naturalistic setting, capturing their distinctive features and graceful movements. Their sharp gaze, tufted ears, and powerful build make for unforgettable images that showcase their unique character.
Scientific Name
Lynx canadensis
Common Names
Canada Lynx
Description
Canada lynx are medium-sized cats, recognized by their long legs, large, snowshoe-like paws, and prominent ear tufts. Their thick, silvery-gray coat provides camouflage in snowy forests, while a short bobbed tail and muscular frame aid in hunting and navigating rugged terrain. Primarily solitary and highly elusive, lynx feed mainly on snowshoe hares and other small mammals, relying on stealth and patience. Their striking appearance and rare sightings make them one of the most intriguing carnivores in North America.
Filming Site
Our lynx sessions take place in forested areas near the ranch, featuring a mix of trees, brush, and open spots that reflect their natural habitat. The setting allows photographers to capture the lynx in motion, stalking, or resting, while providing natural light and varied angles for both close-up portraits and wider landscape shots.
When Should You Visit
Canada lynx can be photographed year-round, though their activity is most noticeable during the cooler parts of the day, in early morning and late afternoon. Winter highlights their snowy adaptations and adds a dramatic backdrop, while spring and summer bring out their alert and active behaviors. Photographers can expect a balance of intimate moments and dynamic movements, making each session a unique opportunity to capture this elusive wild cat.
What To Expect
The Canada Lynx 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 Canada Lynx may run, jump, and possibly exhibit some stalking behaviour The trainers will work the Canada Lynx around the site, taking advantage of the natural features including trees and logs.
As the session progresses the Canada Lynx 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 Canada Lynx drinking. Towards the end of the session the Canada Lynx 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
If you use a tripod or monopod you should know how to:
- quickly change the height, especially important when transitioning between standing and kneeling or sitting (kneeling and sitting require trainer authorization);
- rotate between horizontal and vertical compositions.
If you use a polarizer, you should be able to adjust the filter for the desired effect.
What You Should Bring
Canada Lynx movement may be quick or in a shady spot, therefore a larger aperture is more beneficial than focal length. The distance to the Canada Lynx 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 Canada Lynx 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 wolves model is present throughout the entire filming session and many photographers take more photos in several minutes than they would in an entire day.
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 (macro and 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.
A circular polarizing filter may enhance water reflections.
Kneepads, cushion, or small stool for added comfort when shooting at a lower level.
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.
Do not touch the animal, the operating permits prohibit public contact with the Triple D animals.
Staying together as a group helps the trainer guide the animal to look in your direction. Consider moving within the group to capture photos from a different perspective and allow others to photograph from your position.
Do not call out to the animal or make any noises in order to get its attention. A successful session is only possible when the animal 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.
