Photo of the Month 09/13

Gallery: WildlifePosted September 16, 2013808 views17 comments

Madison Monarch

I just returned from my first trip to Yellowstone. I found this big guy along the Madison River (Thanks for the tip Max). It was early morning and there was quite a bit of fog. The bull's harem had just crossed the Madison River, but the bull stood on the bank for several minutes and posed for me, before following his ladies across the river and into the timber. I was ever so grateful. This is full frame. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 7D
Canon 500mm F4, Series II
f4.0
1/320 s
ISO 100

Comments

17 comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on September 16, 2013 at 11:54 AM

Jerry ...the mood is astounding ...a very well crafted image ..well done

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on September 16, 2013 at 12:04 PM

This is really good, Jerry. You caught a nice pose from the big guy in very nice light. The fog and dark BG really set a mood that lets the bull standout. The tip really paid off for you. And I'd bet you just didn't walk up and snap the photo but got into position and patiently waited for the scene to develop. Great job.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on September 16, 2013 at 12:23 PM

Ahh, Yellowstone in the fall. Very nice moody shot. I predict this was the first of many trips.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on September 16, 2013 at 12:32 PM

Wonderfully moody shot. Very atmospheric.
The dark background and the foreground mist all combine well with your subject to create a memorable image

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by James Blue on September 16, 2013 at 1:07 PM

Jerry, I think this is an excellent image..love the light, mood, framing, and of course the subject. Brings back some fond memories of foggy/steamy mornings along the Madison. I find the fallen timber in the background and the dark horizontal lines they bring into the image just a little distracting - perhaps they could be subdued a smidgin? Well done, that's an image to be proud of!
Jim

Registered on June 16, 2013, 16 Posts, 144 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on September 16, 2013 at 2:25 PM

Jerry, I really like the soft tones in this image. Though my first instinct would be to crop more from the bottom if it were my image, I think the river plays an important role in establishing the setting. Great job, and I'm glad the visit paid off.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on September 16, 2013 at 2:29 PM

Awesome moody image Jerry!

I do not find the horizontal lines of the fallen trees distracting as such, but what is a little distracting is the fact that the antler tips end exactly at one of these lines. No real dealbreaker though and especially when printed large that will not be an issue.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 16, 2013 at 4:36 PM

You made a fine composition is lovely soft light. Congrats on good work and good result!

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

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on September 16, 2013 at 7:08 PM

Wow Jerry, this is a beauty with a great mood. Love the softness created by the fog, yet you have nice detail on the elk. Shouldn't be too challenging to touch up the area behind the elk a little if the fallen trunks bother you. Only question is, how big are you going to print this?

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 16, 2013 at 7:26 PM

An awesome elk photo Jerry

A very moody environmental scene. You're giving me a good case of elk fever, not a good thing for us elkoholics.

Sweet Photo!!!

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

Comment posted by John Tobias on September 16, 2013 at 8:50 PM

Outstanding :

Makes me wish I was there. I can see this one as a large wall print. Must have been exciting. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on September 16, 2013 at 11:00 PM

This has such a painterly feel! Blow it up and hang it on your wall!

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on September 17, 2013 at 7:54 AM

Great mood n stunning frame!
I do find the fallen tree, bit distracting.
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on September 17, 2013 at 6:37 PM

Thanks everyone for viewing and thanks for all the comments.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Clinch on September 22, 2013 at 3:24 PM

Primo work! The fog and soft warm light really worked well together to spotlight the bull. Composition is also very effective.

Registered on January 5, 2013, 37 Posts, 261 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 2, 2013 at 6:08 PM

Congratulations Jerry, great scene. well done

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by John Jeevaratnam on October 15, 2013 at 11:46 PM

Congratulations Jerry. Beautiful photo, like the mid-ground focus and the sunlight highlighting the Elk.

Registered on July 29, 2013, 112 Posts, 229 Comments