Down here in the Tetons during our most recent onslaught of rain has been a challenge for photography, especially since the fall colors are fading quickly, with the days to capture them with the beautiful mountains in the background.
It has been cold, wet and semi-miserable, mostly exciting.
The rain teaches me in my photography to push the limits of my camera gear and to look for the unusual. One of the things that I love about the Tetons is the vast landscape against the mountain backdrop. Everywhere I look it is beautiful. Only, the fog and clouds have obscured much of the landscape, adding a new kind of mystery and beauty to my life.
I saw this single pronghorn buck way off in the distance with the mountains behind him and did a u-turn to go back and try to capture him, a little guy at that distance, in a giant space. Quite pleased with the results, I went on to try some other wildlife in landscape shots.
I had so hoped to capture some elk against the mountains but the next best thing was find a small herd all to myself, deep in the woods. I hiked in, trying me best to skirt them and be quiet so they weren’t spooked. I was about 300 yards back when they noticed me in the forest and so I had to take the shots before they ran away. I might look at this one on the big computer when I get home but it appeals to me already.
Excited by my first two attempts I drove and drove, hoping for mule deer in the sage but the closest that I got was this pronghorn buck. Again, it might not appeal to your senses but I like it pretty well – it shows the animal’s environment and makes me feel like there is plenty of room to roam.
No bears today but the moose were active in the campground. Today the bull had two girls and they were jealous of one another. A lot more standing out in the rain but I had a lot of company and it was fun.
Love that white butt against the color of the sage!
I love these pictures! Wildlife in landscape, very impressive.