The Eurasian lynx is a majestic and elusive wild cat, known for its powerful build, tufted ears, and striking gaze. At Triple D, photographers have the chance to observe these remarkable predators up close, capturing their natural behaviors and distinctive features in a safe and naturalistic setting. Their presence offers a rare opportunity to document one of Europe and Asia’s most iconic forest-dwelling cats.
Scientific Name
Lynx lynx
Common Names
Eurasian Lynx
Description
Eurasian lynx are the largest of the lynx species, with strong muscular bodies, long legs, and large paws that allow them to move silently through dense forests and snow. Their thick, spotted coat provides camouflage across woodland and mountainous terrain, while their tufted ears and short, bobbed tails are signature features. Primarily solitary, Eurasian lynx are skilled hunters, feeding on deer, small mammals, and birds. Their alert posture, cautious movements, and expressive eyes make them captivating subjects for wildlife photography.
Filming Site
Our Eurasian lynx sessions take place in forested and lightly open areas near the ranch, designed to mimic the cat’s natural habitat. Trees, brush, and subtle clearings provide a realistic backdrop, allowing photographers to capture both stealthy movements and relaxed poses. The terrain offers diverse compositions, from intimate portraits to wide-angle shots that highlight the lynx’s size and elegance.
When Should You Visit
Eurasian lynx can be seen year-round, with the best activity typically occurring in the cooler parts of the day — early morning and late afternoon. Winter brings dramatic snowy scenes, while spring and summer highlight their active and curious behaviors. Photographers can expect a blend of stealthy stalking, alert poses, and occasional playful interactions, offering a rich variety of photographic opportunities throughout the year.
What To Expect
The Eurasian 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 Eurasian Lynx may run, jump, and possibly exhibit some stalking behaviour The trainers will work the Eurasian Lynx around the site, taking advantage of the natural features including trees and logs.
As the session progresses the Eurasian 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 Eurasian Lynx drinking. Towards the end of the session the Eurasian 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
Eurasian Lynx movement may be quick or in a shady spot, therefore a larger aperture is more beneficial than focal length. The distance to the Eurasian 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 Eurasian 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.
