Mt Evans Goat with Mountain Backdrop

I always enjoy going up to Mount Evans to see and photograph the mountain goats, especially the little guys. I noticed from my images that I prefer the shots that show more of the location, but sometimes the goats don't cooperate. Got this shot a week ago when one of the mother goats perched on a rock overlooking the mountains and a lake to the west. Since it was evening, I was also able to get some of the clouds and sun in the frame too. Comments welcome

I really like this. It has it all - dramatic scenery, dynamic composition, and wildlife. It even has a sunburst, for goodness sake! The shedding fur is a distraction, but what can you do?

I really like the backlit fur on the goat as well.

Is it just me, or is this shot begging for a clever caption? Not quite sure what, but surely some of the more witty people on this forum will come up with one??

Great shot! I too like wildlife photos showing more of the scenery but don't often get the animals to cooperate. But you nailed this one.

I like this a lot, in fact I think this is easily the best mountain goat photo I've every seen, and I've seen a lot of goat shots! What makes this so sweet is the soft even light almost everywhere, yet you could never call it flat light, it is very defining soft light. You blended the harsh horizon light superbly with the light on the goat and surrounding mtns.
I know a lot of shots deserve being enlarged to substantial dimensions, but I would say 40x60 would be an awesome size for this one! This shot defines Colorado and mountain goat terrain!

Really cool. The background really sets this apart from most Evans goat images. Nicely captured.

This really is an exceptional shot. What a great backdrop. My only suggestion would be to darken those bg mountains a bit as they look a little unnaturally bright to me.

What a great backdrop! I really like the golden light hitting the other side of the mountain goat.

One of my very favorite views around Mt. Evans. Abyss Lake looks great. All of that makes for an outstanding backdrop for the goat, and how cooperative she was! Epic shot, and the only way it could possibly be improved was if her coat was in better shape, but we take what is given, and you were given a jewel!

Kipp, this is extraordinary!!! One "correction" I'd suggest is to get rid of the little triangle of sky in the upper left corner, as it makes Mount Bierstadt look chopped off. Crop it or fill it and it holds in the comp very well, I think. I also think the mountains look just fine at their current brightness, and the light on the goat and on Abyss Lake is sweet!

Awesome!

Double awesome.

On top of everything else already mentioned, the lake adds to its awesomeness.

The best mountain goat shot I have seen from Mt. Evans!

frickin awesome!

It's just about unanimous...the best goat image I've ever seen, too.
I think that Todd's sugeestion is a good one. Aside from that, this is excellent as is. Congratulations!!

You captured the moment. congratulations. Great work.

Bill Brennan

Thanks for all the kind comments and the suggestions. I will likely try a couple of the suggestions out and see how they look. I felt lucky to have the combination of events to photograph, especially a cooperative goat!

Kipp

All I can say is WOW. Like others have said, this is the best mountain goat shot I have ever seen.

Beautiful shot! I'm inspired. How far off the beaten path did you have to trek to find the Mountain Goat? I'm going to head in that direction next weekend. Any suggestions that might increase the probability for a similar encounter?

Whow,,,,,,Outstanding image!

Awesome shot!!! I really love how you can see the goat in its environment, like you said - but not only that, but how it seems to be surveying the scene itself. One suggest I have would be to add an ever-so-slight vignette to the photo to darken the background mountains a little and focus the attention even more on the goat.

The image sure does show the vertical terrain they tend to inhabit. Certainly a nice composition augmented by the soft light on the rock underneath him and fringing his hair. The blue and refected light on the lake is a nice touch.

I have nothing more to add, other than FANTASTIC!!!

Wow - what kind of treats did you use to get him to pose out on that rock?? In all seriousness, such a beautiful image from that location. I've shot many a sunset and sunrise from that general area. The soft light, the lake below - that is a prize winning image there Kipp.

It was nice to meet you the other morning up in Longmont!

Super Shot Kipp. Look forward to seeing you again on the trail.

Great comp! Like the mountains in the background.