to go for a swim

This picture is without doubt an eye-catcher. Tigers are beautiful, powerful and noble but it is not usual to see a tiger swim, and this is probably the first reason why the picture catches the attention of the watcher.

I think the way this picture is framed is very interesting. It is basically split in three horizontal parts of almost equal importance. The top is out of focus but shows some orange on the left. It isn't probably the tiger itself and maybe some rocks but the fact that it goes up to the top of the picture makes a really good background that provides very few distractions. The middle (tiger) part is in perfect focus and the depth of field is quite good, which let us appreciate every detail of its head. Lastly, the bottom part offers a place to rest the eye but has a little bonus in it: the reflection of the nose, which adds again some sense of perspective and "completeness".

Being there at the right time and at the right place is certainly very important, but being able to capture the instant so precisely definitely requires some skills !