It is great delight and privilege I was able to photograph a wild wolf. As I look into the eyes in my photos I am filled with awe and also fear for his safety. I hope he has gone back into the wilds with a healthy fear of humans.

I think Norman has already shared many photos and stories of this encounter, but for those who are interested, here is a link to some info on the Algonquin Eastern Red Wolf. The Science Behind Algonquin's Animals - Research Projects - Eastern Wolf

Also, I had just bought the Sigma 18 - 250 at the Toronto Exposure Show and it was on my camera. Quite the work out for a brand new lens. I was pretty nervous about how these would turn out as I did have some good prime lenses packed in the car. Also, I did not have my tripod and for most, the ISO is at 800.

Overall, I am pleased with the photos and with the Sigma. Thank you for looking!
















The sun shone on him for a few seconds...

[GeoJerry]

Wow, exceptional! The second one just floors me. All very sharp and great color as well.

[tessfully]

Wow these are amazing. I'd be pretty pleased to have these, especially with a new lens.

Thank you Ted!

Wow what a beautiful animal - superb shots there Tess most fortunate.

Thanks Dave

Beautiful shots with awesome colours and clarity. Well done and thanks for posting!

Thanks so much fotogaffer.

Tess, these are awesome photos. A beautiful animal, and you captured it well. It looks kinda like to our local coyotes.

thank you bluestringer. Yes, I am surprised at the resemblance. I use to live with coyotes as well and when I compare my photos of coyotes to these I can then see quite a difference.

Superb shots in every aspect. You seem to have captured the spirit of the wolf. I hesitate to pick favourites but if I had to #1 and #7 stand out

thank you Bruce, that is so nice of you to say. He looked right at me so many times I am surprised I don't have a photo with that direct gaze. But, I am happy with these.

Beautiful shots, Tess.

Thank you Crewl!

What a beauty, well done you a great series of images.

Thanks kerrowdown

Lovely canine that I do not know anything about. Great shots of it, and I'm thinking about the Pentax version of this lens, too. I hope he finds shelter soon, too.

Thanks Jacquot. We are going to head into the park this morning. I can't help but wonder if s/he is still around.

"Wow" is right! You really made the most of a rare opportunity. In your hands, that lens performed magnificently.

Thanks so much dadipentak

Amazing set of photos Tess.

Thank you leptim!

[tessfully]

Great shots Tess!!

Thanks Lauren!

Wow, what a beautiful creature. Awesome job, Tess!

Thank you so much for stopping by Julie and for the nice comments

Awesome shots and what a cool experience, Tess!

Yes, the coolest experience I have ever had with a camera in my hand and a wildlife encounter. Thanks for commenting Bud

WOW! What more can be said!!!!!!!

Thank you eaglem

Wow, exceptional! The second one just floors me. All very sharp and great color as well.

Thanks so much Jerry!


Last night when I worked on these I did not notice that I had over sharpened the fur so I am going to go back and undo that sharpening. The PP involved the "enhance" preset Aperture3 comes with, turning down the vibrancy as the greens were so overpowering, and spot sharpening and defining on the fur and eyes. I am not at all unhappy with the sigma's performance, but I do wish I had used a tripod and a faster aperture and lower ISO.

No matter how many photos I take/day (which is usually 50 - 100), taking photos is always a learning experience. I never get it quite right -- or -- I can always try something else for a better result.

thanks everyone!

[dcmsox2004]

stellar series !!! wonderful captures of this magnificent animal.... dave m

[8540tomg]

I'll add my well done to those above Tess.

Tom g

[SJM]

wow what an opportunity..

[tessfully]

stellar series !!! wonderful captures of this magnificent animal.... dave m

I'll add my well done to those above Tess.

Tom g

wow what an opportunity..

Thanks so much Dave, Tom and Sue! I am still a little high from the encounter

Upon reflection and advice I went back and fixed some post processing issues. I did a white balance, undid sharpening and definition and turned the luminance down on the greens and yellows as that new growth brilliance can be distracting. I am not going to replace the above images, but if anyone is interested in seeing the "toned down" shots of the wolf they are in my blog. Home of My Own

Thanks again !! This place rocks!!!

[Spamwich]

"Overall pleased"... those are magnificent shots. Especially the first two; he/she looks so dignified in the first, and downright dangerous in the 2nd.

[charliezap]

A great job with that lens Tess.Striking pictures.--charliezap

[Cee Cee]

the sigma lens looks like a good performer, I'll be interested to see more of your work with this lens. These are a wonderful series of shots
cheers

[usn ret]

Great series Tess and looks like you adapted to the new lens in style.....TFS Cliff

[Eebll]

Excellent photography, very nice photos.

[greenfox]

Excellent series! Second is my favorite.
And youre lucky to meet a wild wolf.

[tessfully]

"Overall pleased"... those are magnificent shots. Especially the first two; he/she looks so dignified in the first, and downright dangerous in the 2nd.

Thanks for commenting! The second shot is my favourite of the whole bunch.

A great job with that lens Tess.Striking pictures.--charliezap

thank you Charlie!

the sigma lens looks like a good performer, I'll be interested to see more of your work with this lens. These are a wonderful series of shots
cheers

Thanks Cee Cee... I will put together a post with sigma shots. I think it will be great for landscapes, but not so sure of its macro capability. Still figuring it out.

Great series Tess and looks like you adapted to the new lens in style.....TFS Cliff

Thanks Cliff! I had not taken one shot with that lens until these wolf shots. I think if I had used a tripod and lower ISO my results would have been better, but I am not complaining.

Excellent photography, very nice photos.

Thank you Eebll!

Excellent series! Second is my favorite.
And youre lucky to meet a wild wolf.

Thanks Greenfox... nice of you to have a look and comment. That is my favourite too.