Arizona Elk

kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
edited September 16, 2008 in Wildlife
It was on the way to a hike in the mountains that we spotted this female elk on the side of the road in the early morning hours.
IMG_8360.jpg

Surprisingly instead of running, she turned to look at me taking her picture.
IMG_8355.jpg

Then she focused her gaze across the street at something.
IMG_8359.jpg

After all, a mother's first concern is her kid.
IMG_8362.jpg

We were still reeling in the good-fortune to have had such a close encounter with elk, when we spotted this bull elk moseying between some park maintenance vehicles. Notice the height of its antlers with respect to the bed of the dump truck. :wow
IMG_8367.jpg

This is one big animal. Much to my amazement, instead of running away, he continued walking towards me and came within 10'. These pictures are taken with a wide-angle lens!
IMG_8372.jpg

IMG_8372_crop.jpg

Then he strolled nonchalantly past the car...
IMG_8375.jpg

and started eating a tree.
IMG_8385.jpg

The end.
IMG_8400.jpg
Moderator of Landscapes forum
Link to my Smugmug site

Comments

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited September 15, 2008
    You needed a wide angle lens to get the rack of that big boy in the frame!

    Don't ya just hate it when things like that happen? rolleyes1.gif

    Cool! thumb.gif

    OH!...BTW nice to see you didn't have crappy light for this one....wings.gif

    That first shot is a beauty.
  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited September 15, 2008
    Sweeetclap.gif
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    I love the surrounding environment, the pines and scrub brush, with the female elk images. That male has one heck of a rack! The second to last one with the bull elk is extremely well done.
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • JenGraceJenGrace Registered Users Posts: 1,229 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    Wow, guess when you're that big you don't need to worry about some measly human. Maybe they can tell a camera from a gun. :D That last shot is a hoot. rolleyes1.gif
    Jen

    Gallery of mine...caution, it's under CONSTANT construction! | Photo Journal

    In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. ~Aaron Rose
  • CatoCato Registered Users Posts: 287 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    Very cool shots! :ivar And a great narrative, too.
    http://catographer.smugmug.com/

    Shooter on a shoestring.
  • anwmn1anwmn1 Registered Users Posts: 3,469 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    Sweet stuff Joel!! clap.gif

    I bet the family was loving that experience. wings.gif
    "The Journey of life is as much in oneself as the roads one travels"


    Aaron Newman

    Website:www.CapturingLightandEmotion.com
    Facebook: Capturing Light and Emotion
  • dlplumerdlplumer Registered Users Posts: 8,081 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    Great captures Joel. Amazing how close he got to you. Who would have thunk you could get a shot like that with a wide angle lens. wings.gif

    Dan
    Dan
    http://danielplumer.com/
    Facebook Fan Page
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited September 16, 2008
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    You needed a wide angle lens to get the rack of that big boy in the frame!

    Don't ya just hate it when things like that happen? rolleyes1.gif

    Cool! thumb.gif

    OH!...BTW nice to see you didn't have crappy light for this one....wings.gif

    That first shot is a beauty.

    Thanks, Ric! Yeah, normally one gets hosed when you're geared for landscape shots and a wildlife opportunity arises. Not this time! :D

    And yeah, the morning light was pretty sweet.

    Cheers,
    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited September 16, 2008
    Thanks for the great comments, folks. Glad you liked 'em. thumb.gif

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited September 16, 2008
    kdog wrote:
    Thanks, Ric! Yeah, normally one gets hosed when you're geared for landscape shots and a wildlife opportunity arises. Not this time! :D

    And yeah, the morning light was pretty sweet.

    Cheers,
    -joel

    Since I spent the bucks on the 70-200 f/2.8 IS it goes along just in case. It's too short 95% of the time...but when that low light special opportunity presents itself...I'm there!
Sign In or Register to comment.