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Guarding the Harem 1
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Guarding the Harem 1

by Scott Stoner

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 8, 2015144 views4 comments
Elk at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, September 2014.

After days of poor light, we had a break in the weather one evening on the way to dinner, and saw this magnificent bull near the restaurant. Needless to say, I was very late to dinner!

Nikon D800, 300 mm 1/125 sec, f/13, ISO 1250

www.naturelogues.com

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on March 8, 2015 at 4:04 PM
Very good light IMHO! I like how the bull stands out from the BG. Almost missed the elk on the ground. If the bull was facing towards you a bit more I think you would have a really outstanding image. Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on March 9, 2015 at 8:22 AM
Really nice bull and capture, Scott. I never had much luck finding bulls around Mammoth. I spend most of my time along the Madison River. After seeing this big guy, I may have to give Mammoth another shot. I was in YNP last September 12th thru 19th. When was this taken?
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on March 10, 2015 at 10:27 AM
This is quite pleasing light, warm with rich color. I like the overall composition and that you have the bull located where his antlers are beautifully contrasted from the dark background. He is a fine example of the species, too. It looks like you have "almost" lost highlights on the side of the bull, but it is within the range of correction with some careful post processing...and as presented it is actually not very obvious. I wonder about the crop ratio. If there is no obstructive reason for not including more on the left (if you have that included in the original capture) I think you could add enough back to show all of the trunk of the leftmost tree.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 10, 2015 at 8:07 PM
An impressive bull captured in beautiful lighting with great depth of field, the stump on the left is a bit distracting I would consider cropping it out. Nicely done, Scott. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments