Big Basin Bison

We spent the holiday weekend camping at Meade County Lake, which is conveniently close to Big Basin NNL. On Friday night, my 6 yr old daughter and I arrived at Big Basin at sunset, just as the bison were moving down into the basin. Watching the calves excited my daughter, and led to a discussion of bovines and how the calves of both species looked similar. I am including 2 photos, one a wider landscape and one a close up (~200 mm vs 500mm). I am curious which you prefer.

wider shot

I think I like the 500mm shot, great evening light.

I really like the wide open feeling of the wide shot. Makes me want to be there.

I also like the wider shot Rob. It shows the Bison more in their environment. I wanted to go out there for the weekend also but had to finish reroofing my house instead.

I like the wider shot because it shows this herd in their environment and you don't gain enough additional detail in the bison in the tighter shot to really place the full emphasis on them. Sounds like you're making some wonderful memories with your daughter.

Another vote for the wide shot. I like seeing the environment they are in. SWEET warm light you captured! Love it! I'm glad you're able to share this with your daughter.

Thanks everybody. I was leaning towards the wide shot, for many of the reasons stated above. Except for the wind, it was a beautiful evening, and fun watching my daughter get that excited :).

We went back on Saturday evening. My wife/mother-in-law/step-daughter had not seen Big Basin before and wanted to since we were that close. The buffalo didn't come into the basin at sunset, but the nighthawks were cooperative.

The light you had for these shots was really, really nice, Rob. I'm going with the tighter shot, but then I tend to be more of an intimate landscape kind of guy. I like seeing the greater detail in the grasses, and the bison seem more pronounced than in the wide shot. Both are beautiful.

I like the wider shot Rob, gives that open feeling that I love about Kansas. Nicely composed too, I like the 'layered' effect with the bit of far hills included in the upper left corner.

I know I'm a little late to the party - but - I prefer the wider shot. It puts more character into the area of the buffalo. If that makes sense. Nice shot Rob..

I like the second one better as it gives such a good scene setting image.