B2 In Memorium

You have been blessed, my friend! You have seen God!

I like the alert position you caught the tiger in. It seems to be focusing on something out of the frame. Any idea how old this tiger was? Looks like it has been around for a few years. TFS

Hello Ken

Do like the pose, too bad about the roadway showing, The profile is great, would have preferred the profile without the hind leg cutting into it.

TFS Bill

Ajit,

Unfortunately never again, but twice for me was very special

John,

My information is that he reached 16 years of age, a remarkable lifespan for the "King of the Jungle"

Bill,

I never like road shots but I made an exception for this glorious old man

Something has his attention he certainly has a very intent look .I find the pose works well.and guess that the majority of Tiger sightings are on the road and from the jeeps.What a handsome Tiger he was .So deserved his Royal status.RIP B.2.

I have read many comments on NPN that 'road shots' are bad. However, it is important to note that in Indian jungles, which are dense (unlike in Kenya, for example), the big cats prefer to walk on roads to do their daily patrolling. Such mud roads are excellent for tracking these cats as they leave their pug marks. Anyway, I prefer 'our' roads to the asphalted roads in Kruger, where I have photographed cheetahs and lions with Porsches, Mercs, Beemers, etc forming a backdrop! So, I have nothing against 'road shots'. Quite often, these are the best places to see and admire these magnificent cats!

Suzane,

Thanks for your comment, it is much appreciated.

Ajit,

I have to partially agree with you, in some circumstances I do not mind road shots, it is just the tyre marks that I do not like.

Luckily I have quite a few from our sighting of B2 where the road is far less intrusive, I just liked the pose on this one.

As for Kruger the tarred roads are awful, can you believe that they were tarred to minimise the dust falling on the animals, the only time we went to Kruger we stuck where possible to the extensive dirt road network.

Hi Ken,

Very nice detail and I like how the subject is clearing focused on (and interacting with) something other than you. I like the overall colour palette here. I tend to agree with Bill about the hind-leg cutting into the profile - it's a little tough to separate leg from the edge of the head....

RE: the road. I read Ajit's comment (and your response) about the tigers in India utilizing these roads. While I accept that "this is the way it is" there, if I'm being fully honest, I still prefer wildlife images that don't include the "hand of man" in them. This isn't just a philosophical thing - it's also simply because I just don't find most roads too visually appealing. So, for me, roads simply don't ADD to the image the way some backgrounds might. But that's my opinion only...

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

His lean implies great power. Super image.

There is so much tension and suspense in the posture of this magnificent Tiger, that it by far overwhelms the very minor nits mentioned. I feel in awe of this animal and am so glad you shared this image here! What a bitter-sweet experience for you... to know it was a last sighting... You are blessed to have seen it.

Brad,

I seems we are at one on road shots

Lon,

Thanks very much

Catherine,

We were blessed indeed

Road or no road this is a great shot Ken! Love the pose and intensity in his gaze. I'm envious.

Joseph,

Thanks very much for your kind comment