Portrait of an Elk
Nopes, I didn't use a telescope lens. I was pretty close to him, actually, probably more than I should be (even though I positioned myself behind a large t...
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Nopes, I didn't use a telescope lens. I was pretty close to him, actually, probably more than I should be (even though I positioned myself behind a large tree). He was very close to the road, so the car was just a jump away from where I was. I know, I know... still too close, but who could resist??
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Mar, 2017Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Peer Choice Award
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
All Star
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debbiebusbyearhart
August 13, 2017
What a spectacular photo. He is beautiful. I'd love to paint him.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This picture was taken at Yellowstone National Park, by the Yellowstone River, in October 2015, during a vacation trip. When you are driving around Yellowstone NP and see a group of cars stopped by the road, you always reduce the speed and check what kind of wildlife is around. I saw this gorgeous male elk right there, closer than ever. There was a very short distance between the road and him, so I dared to get out of the car and positioned myself behind a big tree, from when I could take a few shots without feeling really in danger.Time
I don't remember the time, but according to the shadow of the elk, I guess the sun was not too high nor too low in the sky. Since I remember we wouldn't get up early in the morning, I would say this was after 3 or 4 pm.Lighting
It was a very difficult situation in terms of light. Everything around the elk was full of light, and his head was shady. I didn't have any filling flash or reflector at hand. The image came out very unbalanced in terms of light and I had to use Lightroom to try to balance it a little bit.Equipment
I used my Nikon D750 with the lens that came with the camera, a 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Auto Focus-S NIKKOR Lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
When I go to Yellowstone, I'm always looking for wildlife to photograph. It's just a hobby. I don't have the necessary gear for real wildlife photography.Editing
Yes, I had to, as explained above. Besides a little cropping, I had to use Lightroom to try to bring more light to the elk's head. It didn't come out perfect, but at least you can see it. I am a self-taught, amateur photographer so my skills a quite limited.In my camera bag
My Nikon D750 with the 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Auto Focus-S NIKKOR lens, a Nikkor 50 mm lens, and a tripod. That's it.Feedback
Wow, I think I could get advice instead of giving it!
