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Bison Procesion



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It takes a lot to get a shot like this, and while there's a fair bit out of the photographer's control (weather, cooperative bison) there's a lot...
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It takes a lot to get a shot like this, and while there's a fair bit out of the photographer's control (weather, cooperative bison) there's a lot a photographer can do to be in place should the out-of-your-control things line up in your favor. Do your research to be in the right place as best you can and know your camera settings so you can shoot quickly before the action stops or the bison get in the "too close" range and you have to move. The overnight temperatures had been below zero, and we left the lodge before the sun came up so we could be in the thermal areas where the bison like to spend the night. The water from the steam freezes on their fur creating beautiful frosty bison. For this shot I was super lucky to come across a herd of bison walking toward our snow coach, but still far enough away to safely fire off a few shots.
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14 Comments |
PreissAlex Platinum
 
PreissAlex May 04, 2022
Congratulations on winning Photographer of the month Award. Excellent photo.
toml721
 
toml721 May 04, 2022
BIF you're cold, they're cold!! Bring them it !! :P
LAllen_3709 Platinum
 
LAllen_3709 May 04, 2022
Congratulations on your win. Your photos are beautiful
tongant Platinum
 
tongant May 04, 2022
Congratulations, a fantastic photo!!
FL_Nature
 
FL_Nature May 04, 2022
staggeringly beautiful! congrats on the win! well deserved!
Jdean80 Platinum
 
Jdean80 May 04, 2022
Congratulations!! Absolutely stunning!!
jacobsimes
 
jacobsimes May 04, 2022
Congratulations
SylviaRourke
 
SylviaRourke May 05, 2022
Congrats magnificent shot
LucellaThetis
 
LucellaThetis May 05, 2022
I’d just fall o Dr & die if I came across them trecking through the snow!
timoakley PRO+
 
timoakley May 09, 2022
Congrats on your win,well done.
HuaweiP30Lite
 
HuaweiP30Lite January 12, 2023
Here's a thought: GET OUT OF THEIR WAY! 😁
paulsetliff
 
paulsetliff January 14, 2023
If you don't mind me asking, where did you capture this image. Heading out from NC on Wednesday for 12 days. Want to make the most of the trip. Thanks in advance
PKnot PRO+
 
PKnot May 18, 2023
Brrrr! Great capture!
sejpng PRO
 
sejpng Jan 24
Wow!
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Behind The Lens

Location

This image was taken in Yellowstone National Park on a very cold January morning.

Time

Timing is important. Bison like to sleep near thermal pools in the winter to help stay warm. On really cold nights the water vapor freezes on their fur. You have to get up before the sunrise to go out looking for bison. Once the sun comes up the frosty on the bison starts to melt and you lose the effect.

Lighting

The light was a challenge as was close to sunrise and a bit overcast.

Equipment

Canon R5 with RF100-500mm.

Inspiration

I have seen images of bison in Yellowstone and was hoping to create my own image of this beautiful winter sight.

Editing

Since I needed a higher ISO to shoot at such a high shutter speed, I used Topaz DeNoise to tone down the noise a little. I used Lightroom for a few adjustments to highlights and exposure along with a little blue calibration.

In my camera bag

It depends on what I'm shooting, but if I'm shooting wildlife, my go to is my Canon R5 and the RF 100-500mm. This combo is what I use for 99% of my wildlife shooting. If I know I will be shooting landscapes, I'll throw in my 24-105mm f2.8 if I'm going to be shooting the night sky.

Feedback

Weather, timing and knowledge of animal behavior are all important to capturing a frosty bison image. THis image was taken in the interior of the park requiring a guide and special vehicle. A great guide is worth their weight in gold!

See more amazing photos, follow Belva_Hayden

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