Coyote and Bison

Gallery: WildlifePosted February 20, 20171,475 views12 comments

One of my favorite shots from last year. It was a sunny morning along Yellowstone's Madison River during my winter tour last year, when a bit of snow suddenly began to fall. Then this coyote stopped to howl behind a bison, so I quickly walked over to try and get them lined up in the same frame. Later, when I converted the image to monochrome, the falling snow in front of the bison really popped against the dark silhouette, giving this a somewhat artistic look that was different from anything else I shot last year. Obviously, I would've preferred more snow on the ground, but I was still happy with this result.

Canon 7DII
Canon 100-400mm
ISO 400
1/500th
f/5.6

Max

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on February 20, 2017 at 10:49 PM

I think this is pretty fantastic, Max. What a great scene. There is a lot here to take in, and the B&W treatment really evokes a sense of old times. I like everything about this one and wouldn't change a thing. If I was to print it however, I would remove that one blade of grass in the bottom center, and the dark object on the ground near the hind legs of the Buffalo. devil

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Gavin on February 21, 2017 at 8:38 PM

I can see why this is a favorite of yours. Quite simply just about perfect. It is as noted: "pretty fantastic". Not sure why more have not viewed and commented.

Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on February 22, 2017 at 3:10 PM

That is cool! The coyote howling is just neat, and to have the bison in there too really makes it a rare image. Yes, I understand it would nave been better to bave a foot of clean snow on the ground, but this is pretty cool.

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on February 22, 2017 at 6:20 PM

Thanks, folks. I'm glad you appreciated this slightly different rending. Sadly, Yellowstone is finally getting a nice dump of winter snow this year, and I can't make it out!

Max

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

Comment posted by Brad Hill on February 23, 2017 at 10:44 AM

Hi Max,

While this shot is definitely interesting (and I like where you took it with the monochrome treatment), I do prefer some of the other shots you posted in the last year over this one. But graphically it certainly is interesting and there's lots to look at and ponder about in this one!

Cheers...

Brad

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

Comment posted by Yun Gao on February 24, 2017 at 12:21 AM

Lots to like about this one. The out of focus falling snow set the winter mood nicely. The bison has a two dimensional feel, while the image has depth. I also like the contrast between big and small, still and moving. The howl of the coyote is the perfect touch.

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on February 24, 2017 at 4:05 PM

Great timing to be in the right spot at the right time Max. The coyote howling in the snow is classic.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Hisham Atallah on February 25, 2017 at 10:02 AM

Hi Max,
I like this one but I think the foreground snow may be an element too many with two subjects in the frame. I might prefer the color version if it de-emphasizes the snow.

Cheers,

Hisham.

Registered on November 5, 2014, 121 Posts, 352 Comments

Comment posted by Sandipan Dutta on February 27, 2017 at 12:36 PM

This image conveys a real sense of place. I like your composition that includes both the Bison and Coyote in the same frame. The falling snow is a bonus.

Registered on March 9, 2009, 171 Posts, 493 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on February 27, 2017 at 4:46 PM

I love love love this. But you knew that.
The abstract nature of the OOF snowflakes, combined with the juxtaposition of the bison and howling coyote, combined with the good rich tones makes this a winner in my books.

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 28, 2017 at 7:23 PM

This one made me chuckle Max, the awesome pose from the coyote makes this shot work. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on February 28, 2017 at 8:34 PM

I appreciate the additional feedback, guys. I can think of plenty of improvements I'd wish for, but again, it's the uniqueness of the image that got it on my personal faves list last year. It's always fun to experiment!

Max

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