Moosa Palooza - First round from my moose workshop

[terrib]

I had the opportunity this week to attend a workshop hosted by Gary Gray of Gray Photography. First, I want to say that I highly recommend Gary's workshops if you are in the Denver area. He knows his subjects and where to find them. If you need instruction, he is very knowledgeable about photography. And to boot, he is very entertaining.

I had never seen a moose in the wild and now I am spoiled. Our first day we saw 13 moose. On the way to our destination, Gary told us about moose behavior, how to tell when they are agitated and how to stay safe. I was amazed that we might be close enough to need this information. We arrived before sunrise at a lake in the Roosevelt National Forest and within 5 minutes the bulls started arriving. By the time we left around 7:30am, I had taken almost 1000 photos, multiple moose, varying light, various activities.

These first shots were taken in very low light at very high ISO of 2 large bulls that came to the lake opposite from us, fed for a while and then exited on our side very near us. I was quite nervous as they moved in our direction but they were unconcerned with our presence and paid us no attention at all. Little did I know that things would be much more exciting on the second day.

All taken with my Tamron 150-600 lens.

#1


#2


#3


These next images are of 2 more bulls that came in after the light got nicer.

#4


#5


#6

[jamn4ex]

I think they are great with 2 being my favorite..... I am so jealous.

[Mark von Kanel]

Great work, too many for C&C in one go but i think no 1 wouls look great with a letterbox crop.

[IzzieK]

I am just choosing, not faulting but I like #2 for the water dripping like that. I've never seen anything like it. OK...it just water but I love the way it is. And I like #4 most...look at the watchful eye at you...actually I find the pose funny.

[Shadowman]

I hear they are becoming less and less afraid of humans but their wild nature is always beneath the surface. Nicely done.

[ajsmith]

These are beautiful photos, but No. 3 is my favorite. I love the light and the composition of the photo.

[Manfred M]

That must have been a lot of fun. I personally prefer the lighting of the first three as the diffuse lighting really shows off these animals so well. You should play around a bit in post, especially with your white and black points, I think you will be surprised as to how much detail you have really captured there.

#3 is my favourite.

[Brownbear]

Hi Terri,

An amazingly beautiful set. With 1-3 being my favourites, and #3 my overall favourite. I also love #4.

I've never seen a moose and after viewing your images, I'll be dreaming about the day. Gorgeous!

[kaneohebud]

Hi Terri:
Really nice captures. Great luck in seeing so many moose in one spot. Looks like that Tamron 150-600 is working nicely for you. I have been giving it some serious thought myself. Well done!

[bnnrcn]

Hi Terri Very nice shots, my best is #3.

[NorthernFocus]

Well I saw the second set first so had to come find this thread. Wow you really had a great couple of days. The first shot really has potential with the mist and two beautiful animals. If the original RAW file is of good quality that one may deserve a bit of time in PP. No.6 is my favorite of this set for the lovely lighting, great position, reflection, and nice habitat included in the frame.

Looks like you got you moneys worth in that workshop. Nice job.

[ied]

Terri, # 3 is my fav. The composition combined with
the soft light makes it an absolute beauty. We have moose
around here but I've yet to see one in the water.
Irene