Rutting Ram

Gallery: WildlifePosted April 15, 2011205 views8 comments

I was able to spend some time with this ram and several others this past bighorn sheep mating season. Though this ram is a big boy, he was never able to secure an entire harem of ewes. He seemed content to cruise the periphery, picking out ewes on the edge of the herd and chasing them off one by one for some "alone time". He was pushing past me to approach the herd when this shot was taken.

Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado
11/28/10 - 2:41 PM

Sony A200
Sony 75-300 @ 140mm
1/250 sec @ f5.6
iso 400

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 15, 2011 at 1:41 PM

Guy, I like this a lot. Great face and eye contact, and nice environment.
The eyes are cool, but I bet you could bring them out a bit more with some levels/brightness adjustment
Very nice!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on April 16, 2011 at 4:30 PM

Great head on view, the horns provide a nice frame for the face. Conditions look dark (snow streaks in the top?) but I'd like to see a little more light in the darker areas of the eyes and chest if it could be done without altering the mood and natural appearance.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on April 16, 2011 at 9:41 PM

Super low angle Guy and you caught him coming right at the camera. Very attractive limited color scheme, browns and gold. You timed this well.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on April 17, 2011 at 2:20 AM

Excellent Bighorn Sheep Photo Guy!!! Love the lowered head and eye contact

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on April 17, 2011 at 10:11 AM

Hi Guy,

That's a classic pose - well captured! I like what you've presented here, but I'm wondering what this would look like with the ram positioned somewhat higher within the frame? To me this guy almost looks to be looking "down" on you and perhaps placing the ram a little higher in the frame might enhance this effect. Although it may not be totally "natural" (in terms of light balance), if this image were mine I'd likely selectively increase the exposure on the head and frontal regions below the head just a little.

Cheers...thanks for sharing this one...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 17, 2011 at 12:52 PM

My first reaction was same as Brad's, to wonder how this would have looked positioned higher in the frame.
Great pose.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on April 17, 2011 at 2:25 PM

A fine specimen. I'd let him past. I like the weeds and rock below the feet, gives a feel for the habitat. And I'd consider at least removing some of the top part of the image, then maybe lighten the eyes to make them stand out a little more. All in all I really like it.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Runco on April 20, 2011 at 12:04 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone - I'll try a different crop, lighten the eyes and repost at a later date if I get a chance.

I really appreciate the help I receive here, once again, thanks.

Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments