Why I'm a Wildlife Photographer

[NorthernFocus]

Some of you may have seen my mention in prior threads that I live at the base of a mountain pass/valley where the moose congregate to breed. This year I resolved to take better advantage of that fact and spend more time shooting them. After my third or fourth trip my wife asked me how many moose photos I needed. But it's not about the photos. They are simply a medium to share and to relive special moments.

All following were shot with Nikon D4 and 80-400mm AF-S lens.

As always, images are best viewed in the light box.

1. On the rare clear days, the view down the valley towards Denali, aka Mt.McKinley, can be stunning.



2. But more often, the views aren't quite as broad and it is a bit more damp. But all worth it when sharing space in such company.



3. The fall colors are on the ground rather than in trees.



4. And the first snow reminds one of the inevitable cycle of life and makes one appreciate the comforts of home.



5. But it is the special moments with the wildlife itself that are the most gratifying. I try my best to have zero impact on my subjects. Ideally, they go about their business and take no notice of me. Though I'm no biologist, I have to think that when protective mothers are willing to lay down near you with their young, that state has been achieved.



6. And when a proud, notoriously surly animal like a rutting bull moose puts himself in likely the most vulnerable position possible with you sitting nearby, it is simply too cool to describe. And for the records, moose show all the same signs of dreaming as dogs do. Legs running, eyes rolling around, head flexing as if defending his turf, etc.



7. And just to show that I was only shooting my camera...

[Mike Buckley]

The best series I remember seeing in a long time. Very special in lots of ways.

[vaez]

beautiful series i enjoyed

[kdoc856]

Masterfully photographed and narrated. Pure joy.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Brownbear]

+1 to Kevin's comment!

All beautiful, but #5 is my favourite (truly magical). After I manage my wild brown bear shot I'll be changing my user name to "Mini Moose."

I also especially love the #4. A beautiful snowy mountain scene!

[Slipper]

very interesting thread and the back lighting on #5 is so nice.

[jprzybyla]

Wonderful country you live in Dan. Magnificent images of moose, very special images. Thank you for sharing.

[Polar01]

Love the images

Cheers: Allan

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the post. I've got a slug of moose shots this year. As I was going through them I started having some of the "meaning of life" type reflections which inspired the context of the post. I'll put up some more photos over the next couple of days in separate threads. Funny thing happened along the way. I set out to capture the biggest trophy bulls possible. But I found myself getting fascinated just observing the every day behavior, interesting lighting, etc. So that's what I shot, just whatever struck my fancy at a given moment in time. Lots of behavioral shots which I'll explain when I post them.

[FootLoose]

I appreciate your obsession with the moose (s?) Dan, but that mountain - with that light - would be mine. I find that stunning.

[BrianA61]

I made my first trip ever to Alaska this past August and actually got to see Denali 2x in one week. I was also able to capture a couple of moose as well, but not near as close as yours. Alaska is a magical place and part of me wants to have that scenery year round.

Just curious about the lighting in #5. There is a slight glow around both moose. Are they backlit or is that some sort of artifact from processing? Is it me or is #4 pic not there? I see all of the images except #4. All your shots are outstanding!!

[Panduka]

Great captures. Love to be there.

[Nicks Pics]

Excellent images. Sure a valuable experience to encounter animals on pleasant terms. Must take a sort of skill.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you enjoyed the post, everyone. Yes, Brian, no.5 is backlit by low, thinly filtered morning sunlight. Greg, the mountain is about 300km away. Too much atmospheric effect for anything other than web quality images. I can actually shoot it from my own front yard but it's near impossible to get a sharp image so far away. Very frustrating from a photography standpoint but still lovely to look at.

[Bobobird]

Beautiful series and narration.

I am in your camp here. The best shots can only be done when the animals are comfortable with you being nearby and non-threatening.

[John 2]

An interesting post and a beautiful series Dan but 5 and 7 are special. Lovely stuff.

[Ndukes]

Wonderful series Dan. It's really special when the subject is relaxed about you being so close. Great use of your gear too.

[IzzieK]

Very nice series and narrative, Dan -- as usual coming from you. I love all of them especially the last one. That expression is priceless. I have never seen anything like it. Really.

[Doorstop]

beautiful and informative on moose
we don't know them down here.