For more than a week now, I've been documenting the formation of the Cougar's Shadow in one of the canyons of Superstition Mountain. Recent weather problems ruined opportunities for the past two days so I wanted to get tonight's shots for my records.
The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) indicated that the (almost) full moon would be rising at about the same time as the Cougar's Shadow was forming, so I was prepared for an interesting evening. I arrived early to get my tripod set in its place and waited to see who would arrive first. I took one early shot of the Cougar, and looked further down the mountain, and there was the moon peeking above the ridgeline.
Well, I swung the camera around and went to full 300mm on the telephoto to capture the moon as it rose, and finally cleared the mountain. Then I returned the camera back to the Cougar and back to 100mm, and thought it would be so cool to catch both in a panorama. I did a four-shot pano to catch em both then went back to recording the formation of the Cougar.
The shadow is obviously not well formed yet but the sun and moon are on pretty tight schedules and wouldn't cooperate with a patient photographer.
Jack Olson
Wilderness Images wrote:
For more than a week now, I've been documenting the formation of the Cougar's Shadow in one of the canyons of Superstition Mountain. Recent weather problems ruined opportunities for the past two days so I wanted to get tonight's shots for my records.
The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) indicated that the (almost) full moon would be rising at about the same time as the Cougar's Shadow was forming, so I was prepared for an interesting evening. I arrived early to get my tripod set in its place and waited to see who would arrive first. I took one early shot of the Cougar, and looked further down the mountain, and there was the moon peeking above the ridgeline.
Well, I swung the camera around and went to full 300mm on the telephoto to capture the moon as it rose, and finally cleared the mountain. Then I returned the camera back to the Cougar and back to 100mm, and thought it would be so cool to catch both in a panorama. I did a four-shot pano to catch em both then went back to recording the formation of the Cougar.
The shadow is obviously not well formed yet but the sun and moon are on pretty tight schedules and wouldn't cooperate with a patient photographer.
Jack Olson
For more than a week now, I've been documenting th... (
show quote)
Very good. I would say it was formed enough. The cougar stands out well. Good job. Thanks for sharing.
Wow that’s great! I like how you shared your experience. I bet you’ve already planned a return trip if and when the full moon rises farther to the north.
Wonderful set, Jack! Your excellent photos and narrative made this a very pleasant visit.
Thanks for the interesting intro and photos, Jack...the cougar really stands out!!
Wilderness Images wrote:
For more than a week now, I've been documenting the formation of the Cougar's Shadow in one of the canyons of Superstition Mountain. Recent weather problems ruined opportunities for the past two days so I wanted to get tonight's shots for my records.
The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) indicated that the (almost) full moon would be rising at about the same time as the Cougar's Shadow was forming, so I was prepared for an interesting evening. I arrived early to get my tripod set in its place and waited to see who would arrive first. I took one early shot of the Cougar, and looked further down the mountain, and there was the moon peeking above the ridgeline.
Well, I swung the camera around and went to full 300mm on the telephoto to capture the moon as it rose, and finally cleared the mountain. Then I returned the camera back to the Cougar and back to 100mm, and thought it would be so cool to catch both in a panorama. I did a four-shot pano to catch em both then went back to recording the formation of the Cougar.
The shadow is obviously not well formed yet but the sun and moon are on pretty tight schedules and wouldn't cooperate with a patient photographer.
Jack Olson
For more than a week now, I've been documenting th... (
show quote)
I am so horrible with seeing natural shadows from rock formation. Like I can never make out the eagle at Eagle Rock, an area of Los Angeles. At certain times of day it supposedly looks like an eagle. Yet I see all sorts of weird things on and in trees. As to the Couger here. In the second image, is the mouth above the "A" in the word
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Both shots are impressive but I really love the close shot of the cougar! Awesome.
Thanks for all the great comments, and to lamiaceae, yes, that is the Cougar's mouth, open and hoping to catch the prey it's chasing.
Wilderness Images wrote:
Thanks for all the great comments, and to lamiaceae, yes, that is the Cougar's mouth, open and hoping to catch the prey it's chasing.
Are you going to start planning for September.
frankraney wrote:
Are you going to start planning for September.
Hah, already got the dates marked in my calendar. Last September was a wipe-out cause all the local wildfires had way too much ash in the sky and wiped out the shadows.
Very interesting topic along with great photos! Thank Jack.
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