While a “clean portrait” is preferred by some judges, the natural preference of these subjects is maintaining a protective position. We terrify them unless we create an unnatural environmental complacency.
Everything for them in this scenario is perceptibly risky.
If we truly were concerned for them. We would never intrude on them with a camera or scope.
We just can’t help ourselves. It’s just too beautiful/fascinating.
True Wildlife Photography Ethics:
Photographic Impressionistic Illusionistic 