Heading out this morning we were finally greeted by overcast and cloudy skies. The temperatures are rising here from the frigid temps they were before. Although the clouds didn’t stick around for long it sure was a pleasure working with the soft lighting.
As soon as we drove into the National Elk Refuge the big horn sheep were already by the side of the road. Its not always a given they will be there or even in sight. They seem tame to humans being around, but are not intimidated by our presence. After a while there was a traffic jam from everyone trying to get the best shot and not hurt the bighorn sheep. The biggest three males I’ve seen at Miller Butte came on down as well and caused the most traffic. Not moving for anyone, haha.
This little guy was the main subject for half of the morning. I can’t tell you how long I waited for him to stop eating momentarily and pick his head up for his portrait. To get him in a more vertical oriented stance was even more difficult. So worth the wait though. It’s always worth it to photograph the cute and cuddlies.
Here was Ma and Pa. They were part of the small herd hanging out at the beginning of the trail. The road is just below the bottom edge of the frame. They were that close! I never get tired of photographing them.
This is one of the older males that made their way down to the road. The males usually stay back while the ewes are the ones that wander. The larger and more developed the curl the older the individual (for males.)
Some testosterone was still laying around even in winter!
The weather in Jackson Hole has been exquisite and a fantastic boost to my photography. We need to remember that sometimes the best photography is in some of the worst of conditions. I want to add something to that though. If you look at the photograph you’ll find that the bighorn sheep is backlit. Often people shy away from backlit scenarios. Most expect a black subject; however this isn’t always true. If there is snow or enough reflective light you get this fantastic separation from the background for your subject. It can make them pop off the page. Commonly done in portraiture by adding a hair light or such. Just using a much bigger source.
These bison have moved into this wheat looking field for the past two days. Quite clever if you ask me. I loved the shades of contrasting color and have wanted them to get close enough to photograph. Many photographs later I believe I got one that shows enough of their face to make them out. That catch light really helps as well on such a dark subject.
After chasing the light to fit our subjects as the sun was setting we came upon this bald eagle. We actually spotted it from other cars pulling over. Finally got a chance to get a decent shot of him. I tried to get closer, but he wasn’t having that.
One other thing I need to do is figure out a way to get video I’m shooting streamlined. I have some great stuff I have been shooting in the down time and I really want to share it with you guys. I’ll see what I can do when I get back home in a week or so.
