High altitude elk

While in Estes I drove up Trail Ridge after a rain storm in the late afternoon. On the way back down I saw a group of cars parked eastbound and westbound blocking the entire road. I started my normal ranting about how these people were parked until I saw what they were looking at. Five bulls just grazing on the tundra about ten feet off the edge of the road. I was able to snap a few shots before the park ranger came yelling at us fools blocking a state highway.

Unfortunately, there was some pretty harsh light in the sky, but I tried to make the best of it. Thanks for looking!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

What a beauty!
My favorites are #'s 3-5 because of the 'spotlighting' effect on the elk.
Perfect way to deal with harsh midday light.

Great stuff, Chuck! I'm lovin' #2 with the total elimination of the horizon. Very well seen & composed.

Nice set - I also liked #2 , but #3 also is very good.

Wow! #2, 3, and 5 are stunning! Great work.

Ditto on 2,3, and 5. The spotlighting really makes this magnificent animal stand out!

The composition of #2 without a skyline makes the bull the feature of the image. I like how antler velvet backlights and sidelights well.

What a great series, with some standout comps. #2 is my fave.

Really like #5 with nice light on the elk and the mtns in the background.

Great stuff, love number 2 as well.

All are nice and what an experience! #2 is the standout for me.

Thanks for your comments! I'm so glad I was able to catch these guys in the tundra. These boys loved the camera.