kailamackay

elk

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture f/5.6 ISO 6400 Shutter 1/180 Focal Length 285/1

upload_date

Nov, 2015

Views

1002

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+129

Awards

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Contest Finalist in Creative Critterscapes Photo Contest

Staff Winter Selection 2015

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+11

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PRO+

Fantastic photo!

PRO

Great shot!

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Same photographer See all Behind The Lens

Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken in Dixon, MT at the National Bison Range. I arrived at day break on a Saturday in September. I had just purchased my first full-frame camera, a Canon 5d mark iii, and this was one of my first shots.

Time

Around 7am. The range opened at 6:30 and I was ready and waiting at the gate at 6:15. I was still on East Coast time, so getting up early was no problem. I remember hearing this bull elk long before I saw him. In the fall, elk start their rut, where the males battle each other for females. They make this high-pitched bugling call, which from an animal that large, sounds a little ridiculous.

Lighting

I couldn't have asked for a better sunrise. I would like to say that I had all the foresight to set this shot up, but honestly it was being in the right place at the right time. I find that typical of wildlife photography.

Equipment

I had my Canon 5d mark iii and my 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS. Handheld. No other equipment or filters.

Inspiration

I knew I wanted to go to the Bison Range to watch the elk and bison in rut. It can be dangerous, but worth it if you're careful and keep your distance. It was my first trip to Montana and I was geeking out on the landscapes and the wildlife and the sunrises and sunsets. Like I said before, I was in the right place at the right time. I saw the shot immediately and knew I had it before I even checked the LCD screen. I just felt it!

Editing

I edit all my photos, but usually limit it to Lightroom and try to keep it pretty minimal. This shot didn't require much. A little contrast increase, a little bump to saturation for the sky, and I made sure the photo reflected the warm tones of the sunrise. I sharpened it a bit and it was done.

In my camera bag

First and foremost, my mark iii. I don't know how I ever lived without it. If I'm planning on seeing wildlife, I pack my 100-400mm zoom lens. I also always bring my Canon 24-70 mm f/4 for just a general walking around lens and for landscapes. I hardly ever take a tripod! I have to get better about this. Particularly for landscape photography. But I like to be as mobile as possible. If I know I'm shooting portraits, I cram my 50mm and my 70-200mm lenses in my bag. And I always, always, always carry extra batteries and extra SD cards. Always!

Feedback

Wildlife photography requires patience and knowledge. I had researched a bit about elk behavior during rut before I headed out to the Bison Range. The route I was on through the park should have taken 30 minutes. I left after 4 hours. I knew the animals I was looking for, the behavior I was hoping to capture, what habitat they preferred, and where I wanted to be in relation to the rising sun. Having a telephoto lens is essential. This shot would not have the same impact had I taken it with a wide-angle lens. I love my 100-400mm and it was TINY compared to the gear some other photographers had at the range that day. Take the time to compare lenses to find the right one for you. I knew I didn't want to be tied to a tripod, so my 100-400mm was the perfect choice!

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kailamackay

kailamackay

elk

Behind The Lens

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