Wednesday I decided to make a quick trip over to the Tallgrass Prairie near Strong City for the first time - man, what a beautiful place - and so rich with history! I'm sure I'll be going back again soon.
As I was setting up to shoot this scene yesterday morning, I noticed Mr. Buck making his appearance for a shot or two. I'd spooked him and a doe out of an adjacent bean field about 15 minutes earlier. The only problem was that I hadn't had time to attach my shutter release, so I had to manually fire the camera. I was just sure that if I moved a muscle, he would spook and make a quick exit. Moments like this are what I love so much about nature photography...
Posted by Tim Buchanan on June 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Nice catch, Bill! There are a lot of nice elements in this picture, foreground, background, grass, trees, oranges, browns, greens - very nice!
Really neat image Bill, the colors are great the blooms are beautiful and the deer really adds to it. It's been a fun spring and summer so far with all the rain and not really as hot so far. I'm guessing tommorow we get praire #2.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on June 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Bill, this is good on so many levels. The textures, tones and colors of the grasses & wildflowers, the darker bg and I even like the position of the buck against the backdrop. Glad you were able to get this, looking forward to seeing more.
Very cool Bill. I'm really happy you made it into the prairie land. I lived for over twenty years in Emporia, which you may have driven through on your way to Strong City. It's about 20 miles east on Hwy 50. You definitely were in the Flint Hills and Tall Grass Prairie. You can go 100 miles south or 100 miles north and still be in it from there.
I find it quite challenging to shoot. The vastness overwhelms me at times. I find myself having to choose an area and just concentrate within those confines to attempt properly depiction of the scene's. It makes me work a lot and spend hours at times for good shots, which I know is helping my skill level.
Anyway enough of my rambles. I hope you enjoyed your visit. I know there is so much natural beauty just hidden in the prairies, it's what makes me yearn to spend lots of time there.
One more thing. I am hoping the wind didn't prevent you from casting your talent out onto some of the wildflowers of the land.
Looking forward to some more.
Bill, a great shot with many great elements. The deer looks like he is watching you! This morning I was out with my dogs at Fort Chaffee and came around the corner and saw a deer starring at group of people down the road. The deer did not see me and continued watching the other people. Maybe the deer watch us too! I also saw two baby fawns but did not have a camera!
I hope your visit was a good one. That part of the state is beautiful. Nice job on the photo, especially with the young buck venturing in for his turn.
Posted by Glenn Carter on June 23, 2008 at 7:12 AM
Great capture Bill!
Posted by Ken Bachman on June 23, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Welcome to Kansas Bill, (I suppose you've been here before though). It looks like you caught the Flint Hills at a good time with the Butterfly Weed in full bloom. You were fortunate to capture that buck with a nice dark background. I look forward to seeing more.
Discussion
11 repliesAs I was setting up to shoot this scene yesterday morning, I noticed Mr. Buck making his appearance for a shot or two. I'd spooked him and a doe out of an adjacent bean field about 15 minutes earlier. The only problem was that I hadn't had time to attach my shutter release, so I had to manually fire the camera. I was just sure that if I moved a muscle, he would spook and make a quick exit. Moments like this are what I love so much about nature photography...
I find it quite challenging to shoot. The vastness overwhelms me at times. I find myself having to choose an area and just concentrate within those confines to attempt properly depiction of the scene's. It makes me work a lot and spend hours at times for good shots, which I know is helping my skill level.
Anyway enough of my rambles. I hope you enjoyed your visit. I know there is so much natural beauty just hidden in the prairies, it's what makes me yearn to spend lots of time there.
One more thing. I am hoping the wind didn't prevent you from casting your talent out onto some of the wildflowers of the land.
Looking forward to some more.
Brad