Moose in the rain

[terrib]

A few weeks ago I traveled to northern Colorado in search of moose. My first stop was the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The problem with National Parks is the crowds but I went to a spot in the evening hoping, not only for some nice light, but that the crowds had thinned. There were only a couple of cars when I arrived and after it began to rain, those people disappeared quickly. I put on my rain jacket, threw a spare poncho over my camera and found a fallen tree beside the pond on which to sit. And was rewarded with this cow moose coming in to feed.

I've mentioned before that although I do strive to produce good photos, the photograph is not the primary goal for me. Especially since my husband died (in 2013), I find the enjoyment of nature and the opportunity to view wildlife gives me joy and the photography is the excuse for getting me out there. If you'd told me several years ago that I would experience such profound peace sitting in the pouring rain, I'd have not believed it. But peace I found spending some time with this moose - two creatures adapting in the moment.

As far as the photographs, they were shot at 1/400 & 1/320, f6.3, ISO 2000 at 600mm handheld.

[Mike Buckley]

the photograph is not the primary goal for me.

I can most definitely relate to that. When I'm traveling, experiencing the travel is more important than photographing it. Even in my makeshift studio, I spend so much more time making a photo than ever looking at it that it's the enjoyment of the process that is more important than the enjoyment of the resulting photo.

These two images will surely be nice reminders for years to come of the peace and tranquility you experienced in the rain with the cow.

[Rita]

A wonderful example of how photography is so much more than capturing an image. It does so much for the person behind the camera. Keep enjoying the "moments".

[ccphoto]

I love how rain "mutes" detail and color but in doing so, creates a whole other mood. Nice mood here in all ways.

[chauncey]

Terri, we all take pictures for a different reason...enjoy the journey. BTW, nice shots.

[terrib]

I can most definitely relate to that. When I'm traveling, experiencing the travel is more important than photographing it.

Thanks Mike. One of the reasons I posted this was as a reminder to not forget to enjoy the moment.

[terrib]

A wonderful example of how photography is so much more than capturing an image. It does so much for the person behind the camera. Keep enjoying the "moments".

Agreed, Rita. Thanks for your comments.

[terrib]

I love how rain "mutes" detail and color but in doing so, creates a whole other mood. Nice mood here in all ways.

Thanks, Chris.

[terrib]

Terri, we all take pictures for a different reason...enjoy the journey. BTW, nice shots.

Thanks, William. I agree and I will!

[Shadowman]

Nice shots.

[IzzieK]

Good goal, Terri...and I like your commentary and expression -- your feelings exposed here a bit. We all have a goal and a theme in mind and you did good in sticking to it. Love the rain. 'Don't know why but it has calming effect on me, like chopping vegetables.

[terrib]

Thanks John and Izzie for commenting.

Izzie, rain has always had a calming effect on me, although usually when I'm protected from it. Chopping vegetables, not so much.

[Tronhard]

I completely empathize with your feelings Terri. The real gift of photography for me is that it makes me LOOK. When I was growing up my father used to say "Be aware of where you are". Later, in the army I had drilled into me "Be aware of your surroundings." I have long taken those pieces of advice to heart, and I hope that I see more of the world than I might do otherwise. Photography can give one that gift - something missed perhaps by those who focus inwardly on taking selfies of themselves rather than looking outwards at the world they are lucky to live in.