Mr. Elk . . .

[RJSorensen]

This one is kind of old . . . from this January past. I was putting away yesterdays Elk shots and strummed through this set. The color is just a bit off and dark, but the look is great. ;)

I don't know if you can see his moist breath . . . or hear the sound of the bugle call, it is just spellbinding no matter how often I hear same, to say the least. One of the primeval sounds that makes those shivers run through your body. I could hear my heart beat, feel the blood pulse within my veins.

I was going to give up, go home, cold, dejected, hungry . . . when in the fresh snow from below he runs up, smells the air, tips his head back and put on the display of my lifetime. I have been showing some of this set off with the 'Good ol' Boys' . . . They are tough lot on me, but I think they like them. My friend whom paints does, I used his Sigma 50-500 on my 20D to capture these, so he thinks they should belong to him. Works for me.

[Maureen Souza]

This was a fabulous moment you caught...yes, i can see his moist breath and best of all, i can see his cock-sure attitude with that head held up. Makes me think about heading to Colorado for rut season.....

[cjm]

WOW! How big is the original picture you took? Because it would look great half the size with more elk and less pictures. But wow what an awesome picture! Post Card worthy!

[marie]

what a great capture RJ
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif

must have been thrilling to watch and listen to ,from what you describe

[sparker1]

Magnificent picture of a great pose.

[rbuttrum]

I love the composition, you caught it at just the right moment. I like the dark background, I think it really ads to the majesty of the subject. Also, nice and sharp - well done
Ralph

[rulon69]

Cool pic RJ.

[robertwgross]

OK, RJ, tell us the secret mix.

I realize that you have to have some very good photo gear, and I realize that you have to know your subject, like the particular animal and its habits in that area. You have to have a fair amount of patience, and maybe a little luck. You might want to have some photo editing skills.

What is your secret mix?

---Bob Gross---

[RJSorensen]

Other than I am not a very good photoshop person as you note "You might want to have some photo editing skills." I think the 'Mix' is to just get out. I don't hardly ever get a good shot, other than the cat sleeping, by sitting at home. I am in the out of doors most days . . . for a good part of the day. I carry my gear most of the time. I try to not 'Choke' when the Photo Gods deliver unto me a gift.

[CaN0n 5OlDiEr]

NICE

[HJMinard]

I don't hardly ever get a good shot, other than the cat sleeping, by sitting at home.

Well said, RJ ... words I need to take personally, because I have spent far too much of this winter hiding indoors.

I am in the out of doors most days . . . for a good part of the day. I carry my gear most of the time.

Please feel free to ignore this question if it offends ... but are you employed? Are you fortunate enough that your very employment is taking you into the great outdoors?

Wonderful shot, by the way. Outstanding capture of a glorious creature!

[ssim]

Great shot RJ. You are lucky to live in an area with such a diverse choice of wildlife.

This is a framer.

[Jessica Rabbit]

Wow is that ever cool! Would be great for a calendar pic!

[stoneylonesome]

WOW! What a beautiful shot, Yup timing is everything. :) Ya did real good on that one.

[boomer1959]

Another great one RJ :D

[RJSorensen]

We farm some and ranch some so being out of doors is not a problem. I drive an old blue Chevy pickup truck . . . sometimes the dog rides in the back, sometimes up front with me. I leave the camera in the seat and turned on and set to something quick enough to shoot whatever comes up. You just shoot on the good ones, there is no time to setup. Or that is how they come to me. But I travel more miles a day than many of you so I have more chances. Plus I live where the animals do as well.

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions . . . now if the owls would help me out, lol. ;)

[Michaelmjc]

AMAZING!~ you can see his breathe, that is such a sweet picture dude.

[MarkoPolo]

Wow! I wish there was a better word for that shot. Double Wow!

[CyberDyneSystems]

That's just PERFECT! Wow...