Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Elk Mammoth Hot Springs
‹ PreviousWildlife GalleryNext ›

Elk Mammoth Hot Springs

by Bob McQuade

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 12, 2013177 views8 comments
D800 200-400mm @340 F11 1/60th ISO 1100

i was shooting a bull elk at close range at the base of the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone NP when I spotted a line of elk cows and calves walking along the edge of the upper hot springs. By moving a few feet I was able to get the most colorful part of the lower springs in the shot before the cows moved out of range.

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by James Blue on October 12, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Bob, that's a super cool composition with the hot spring and elk combined...great job taking advantage of such an unlikely view!

Jim
Registered on June 16, 2013, 16 Posts, 144 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 12, 2013 at 4:03 PM
A unique and interesting photo. The Spring itself is the major attraction. I am not sure the elk cows add that much, but it is always nice to document something like this.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 12, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Very different, unusual setting for elk. The lack of color in the distant hills, elk and sky contrast markedly with the colorful hot springs.
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on October 13, 2013 at 1:45 AM
Bob,

Well seen, this is great :toast: :toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by James Blue on October 13, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Bob, your image has drawn me back for additional looks. It has struck me that capturing a single frame image that looks like a composite is quite an accomplishment - versus visa versa. Your image offers such an interesting juxtaposition with the foreground and background being so contrary in subjects and tone. :toast:

Jim
Registered on June 16, 2013, 16 Posts, 144 Comments
Comment posted by Max Waugh on October 13, 2013 at 2:04 PM
I like that the elk are merely a decoration here, almost fading into the background.

Max
Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments
Comment posted by John Launstein on October 13, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Bob, for me this is simply exquisite--a top-shelf image. In fact had I been so fortunate as to see (perceive) this and capture (create) the image so perfectly, I'd be considering it to be a personal masterpiece. I think VERY highly of what you have done here. Did you desaturate the background at all or is that just a combination of the snow-covered hills and atmospheric conditions?

If I did have a suggestion, it might be to desaturate the cow elk in the middle of the group whose body is facing away from us but her head is turned to the left...she shows much more tone and contrast than the rest, mostly by virture of her showing off her bright rump! It doesn't stand out as much in the large version, but in the 720px version here it grabbed my attention.

BEAUTIFUL composition, textures and colours. Just fantastic IMO...one to be proud of.
Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments
Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on October 14, 2013 at 7:30 AM
Very nice Bob and very special. I like the combination on the colourful FG with the almost monochrome BG. This is a winner! :toast:
Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments