Enjoying the View (opinions wanted)

I got several shots of these two massive bull elk last July, some of them nose-to-nose. But there's something whimsical about this pose that I really like. It's like they're just kicking back, watching the world go by. Is whimsy something you think of when you view this, or do you first think, "Geez, Caudle, did you even TRY to get a shot with them facing you?" I humbly solicit my fellow forum denizens' thoughts on this less-than-weighty subject.

Todd, I really like this. I think this does exactly what you described. It brought a big smile to my face when I looked at it. Makes me wonder what they're looking at. A real nice moment you captured.

I'll give you a "whimsy" vote on this one.

now, if there was a cow down the hill that they were watching...

I like the whimsical perspective...like two buds enjoying a beer together...

I like it Todd!!! I imagine them just sitting there looking off into the distance like two guys without much to say.

John

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John Zinn
Enduring Light Photography
"A moment in time... experienced, captured, preserved."
Site Updated 10/27

Todd,
No question you get the whimsey vote. On the otherhand, had anyone EVER seen a shot like this. I mean how difficult is it to get TWO substantial bull elk together, much less, striking the same pose. To me, this gets much more than the whimsey vote. Good job man.

I love the symmetry in this shot and that's a difficult thing to capture when shooting wildlife. The "taking in the view" idea might have worked better had there been some cool mountain scenery in the background, but this is still neat the way it stands.

For the record, here's a nose-to-nose shot.

Jamie, the "buds having a beer" metaphor is how I look at it, too. They were next to each other, just chillin', for a long time. They weren't looking at anything, they were just enjoying a summer evening.

Here's the caption for number 1: "Hey Sam, if you turn your head just a little to the left, I think we can get a clear picture on the Broncos station."

Jack

They are both great images, but I like #1 the best. It's refreshing to see something so unique.

This is fantastic, Todd. I laughed when I opened it. You could have all kinds of fun with a shot like this by pasting things into the background. Not that you would

That is darn cool shot, unique and fun!. Boy you could fun with that image, 2 beer cans next to them and a TV in front would make a great advert!.

That image brought a big smile to my face as soon as I saw it without reading any of your comments first.
As far as I'm concerned, you succeeded in the 'whimsical' department!

Although the perfect symmetry and moment of the bucks facing will probably sell more, I love the facing away shot for the whimsy and indifference. It says "we're wild animals and we do whatever the hell we want" - I'm thinking of Dylan's "watching the river flow". Some will get it, others will nit-pic, who cares? I think it's awesome.

Todd, both of these shots are incredible! The first is wonderful and whimsical and is my favorite. It seems to tell a story, and allow the viewer to generate their own interpretation of what that story might be. In the second image, it almost appears as though the two bull elk are about to kiss each other!

Both are cool shots Todd. I prefer #1 though.

Mel-

Both shots are great, but #1 made me laugh and realize how anthopomorphic it was. This would make a fantastic greeting card!

I liked the content of the shot because they WEREN'T facing the camera...it definitely has stock or greeting card potential.

Funny,

"I'm a girl watcher, I'm a girl watcher.' Yeah, I like both of them, Todd. I think whimsy is right for the first one, and I like the balance of #2.

Tally another vote for #1. I really like that shot. I agree it does make you wonder what they were looking at.

Just a coupla dudes gettin' their "LOTR" on...

LOL - nice interpretation of the view.

I really dig the first one, a nice peaceful moment in the high country. A really great shot - brings a smile to the face as others mentioned. The shot facing each other is great as well!

The whimsy works for me: brought an instant smile to my face. Thanks!

you've got to post the last one over at Man & Nature....

i like #1 (and of course #3)- makes you wonder what they are looking at and helps draw your eye into the center of the frame. Nice job!

This is great, Todd. I definitely get the feeling they're just old buds hangin' out and watching the day pass.

Todd, I have to agree with everyone. That first shot is fantastic! I smiled and did a big HA when I saw it. Just what I needed after spending an hour in line to vote this morning. I think they must be thinking about how lucky they are to have such a view and they sat down to enjoy it.

Whimsy it is. #3 then #1 get my vote.

Amazing shots, Todd! The #1 wins for me. Really cool!

I'm with Dave. I wouldn't like this as much if they were facing the camera. Whimsy often creates a better photograph.

Triple whimsy award from me Todd!! I can't stop laughing!
John

Great image, they were probably fiquring out their strategy for the Rut! #3 is great thanks for the laugh!

I like the repost, am on the fence with the original