A few cougars at night

Last winter I dedicated a lot of time tracking and camera trapping cougars in Montana. I needed some additional material for an eBook "course" I was working on. For the images that you see here, I used anywhere from 3-8 speedlights per set. Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects (besides locating areas with the wildlife you are attempting to camera trap) is getting the lighting to look as natural as possible, especially for nighttime images.

In my guide, I dedicate an entire chapter to working with speedlights, including tips and techniques to create the most natural looking light possible. Not only that, but I also cover these topics as well:

*A thorough rundown of camera trap components and gear
* Basic and advanced camera settings
*Working with speedlights to create studio-style lighting
*Powering your equipment
*Commercially available camera trapping gear
*Instructions for building your own camera trap and gear housings
*Scouting techniques for camera trappers
*Basic animal track and sign identification
*Choosing the right location for your camera, and deployment of your camera trap
*Real-world examples of actual camera trap setups in the field, complete with diagrams and results from each set

If you're interested in learning more about the eBook course, you can check it out on my website here:
https://www.zackclothierphotography....trapping-ebook

Attachment 408
A cougar returning to a large natural cavity on a moonlit night. This unique area is used each year by the cats.


Attachment 409
Cougar returning to feed on a deer carcass cached nearby


Attachment 410
A cougar skirting a ledge in winter


Attachment 411
I actually witnessed this cat take down the deer in the picture, while returning one morning to check on a nearby camera


Attachment 412
Cougar getting a closer look at my camera


Attachment 413
A cougar resting near a deer carcass. Notice the hair plucks scattered about.

Those are some amazing photos Zack. Beautiful.

Fantastic images Zack. I think i need to brush up on my lighting. I,m liking the lighting in your shots, they look much more natural.