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Footwork
A bighorn ram effortlessly navigates a steep mountainside in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
A bighorn ram effortlessly navigates a steep mountainside in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
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Jan, 2022Views
533
Likes
Awards
Runner Up in Wildlife Love Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Love Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Genius
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank
Top 20 rank
Top 20 rank week 1
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park in January 2021.Time
I typically gravitate to the sunrise or sunset hours when photographing wildlife, but I had come across this beautiful bighorn ram one afternoon during a light snowfall.Lighting
Due to the overcast conditions, the diffused light allowed me to capture this image without battling the harsh lighting that typically occurs at this time of day.Equipment
I photographed this ram handheld using the Sony a7R IV with the Sony 400mm f/2.8.Inspiration
While I love the thrill of photographing apex predators such as grizzlies and wolves, I am equally passionate about the often overlooked wildlife found in Yellowstone. Big horn sheep are one of the most fascinating species to watch as they effortlessly traverse steep inclines and rock formations. The day I took this photo, I was on my way to a different section of the park when I unexpectedly came across a small herd of bighorn grazing in the distance. I spent a couple hours observing them before I had the incredible opportunity to capture this ram navigating the rocky mountainside as it pursued a nearby female.Editing
For this particular photo, I slightly increased the contrast and used some dodging and burning techniques to guide the viewer's eye toward the subject. I shot this image with a 2.8 aperture, creating a more shallow depth of field in order to give the composition an ethereal look.In my camera bag
When I am in the field, I always have my Sony a1 + Sony 400mm f/2.8 as my primary set up and use the Sony a7R IV + Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-4/6 as my secondary. I also pack the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8, Sony 24-70 f/2.8, Sony 85mm f/1.8, Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4, Sigma Art 135mm f/1.8, along with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. While I often shoot handheld, I always bring along my Manfrotto tripod with a Benro gimbal head.Feedback
For any photographer that is interested in wildlife, I always recommend spending time out in Yellowstone National Park. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a diverse area, filled with some of the most fascinating wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes. Taking time to explore the vast and rugged nature out here will allow you to experience some amazing moments that you will likely never forget.
