Don't you just hate it when you have to much lens. Normally we cry that we do not have enough but in this case it was just the opposite. What you see is all I could fit in the frame. I was shooting the D7000 with the 200-400VR f4 when this bull approached me. It was recorded at the 200mm (with the conversion factor it would be 300mm) at ISO 400, 1/40 sec at f4 from the wimberly. I have always made a habit of carrying the D300 around me with the 70-200VR f2.8 but I got lazy this day and decided to put the lens in my bag I was carrying, it did me no good there.
The second photograph is taken from the first. I only used this to show you the reflection in the eye, his teeth and the fine hairs standing up on his chin and nose. This was only my second Elk trip with this lens and the first time on this camera so I was going through a few learning experiences. Overall as long as I did my job right I was very pleased with both. As a matter of fact the D7000 has now become my main camera with the D300 as the back-up.
Two posts in a week maybe I can get back into the swing of things here. Today's post comes from my recent trip to Elk County for the rut. In Monday's posts I mentioned the weather, what I didn't mention is that with the wet weather on Winslow Hill normally comes heavy fog in the mornings. And we had just that, heavy fog on a few mornings. When it is foggy like this you have a choice of just observing the Elk, trying to photograph them or doing both. I have always done both, but I spend more time just watching than photographing. This bull was photographed on the top of the mountain as he bugles to anyone that wants to listen, and believe me we were listening. This is just an amazing sound, if one spends enough time around the bulls you can learn if it is an old bull or a younger one.
Now I am typing this hoping the video works, I changed some things on blogger to up date the way I make my posts hoping that some of the bugs go away and this is my first post after doing this. If it works what you will see is a cow and her calf grooming each other close up. This was taken mid morning on an overcast day in the woods with little light. I have found that it can be much easier to video rather that shoot photos with a DSLR in low light. Being away from the other noises Winslow Hill can bring is great, turn up your volume and listen to the peacefulness of the outdoors and the bugling of the bulls. It is funny as the bull bugles the cow must have been bored by it as she appears to yawn or maybe she is lip syncing. I hope this post works.
Last week I spent my time in the mountains of Elk County observing and photographing the Pa. Elk Rut. This is the third year in a row I have spent the last week of September chasing around the Pa. Elk herd and enjoying quality time with great people. The week went allot like last years, warm weather (to warm for Elk activity) and lots and lots of rain. Also like last years the weather broke the last evening their giving me my best photos that night and the next morning.
I am not shore what I like best about the rut, a chance to be away from the phone, newspapers and TV, the Elk or the people. Most of the time is spent with great people that I have met by doing this. We get together every year at the same place, many I have known for a few years and others that you just meet. Yes I would have to say that the best part of the experience is spending time with great people, most that I will not see again until the next rut and others that I will shoot with numerous times before the next rut. We all share one thing in common, the love of the outdoors and wildlife.
This photos was taken early one morning in the saddle with Coy and Willard. This bull got a name this year like many other bulls in and around Winslow Hill. He is now called Uncle Bob.
Thanks for the great time guys and I can't wait to do it again.
