Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

[Teton Chuck]

We have been having a cold snap here in Jackson Hole, WY. I went to the National Elk Refuge, which is close to my house, and found a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. It was totally overcast and the vegetation was all covered in frost. I thought I would share a few shots from the outing.

[Nicks Pics]

Hello Chuck

These are the types of images I really like. I would say some of these are excellent. #2 image stands out to me for the beautiful IQ. As for lighting, the pure white radiance from all sides that snow provides could hardly be matched in a studio.
With that lighting the detail in these images is exceptionally clear without being washed out in any areas, and there is very little noise in the shadows. Your PP of these was well done too, as you didn't give them that shiny over-sharpened look. As for the snow, it's gret for photography as long as your not shooting it itself, as in the first image it looks like there was a little exposure difficulty, it looks like a high-key look maybe?

As for the rundown of them, I have already mentioned the first and second, the third and last are very attractive with color coordination between the goats and grass, and a nice amount of scenery around the subjects to make picturesque scene, plus you caught some action of the goats eating the grass. The second portrait does not technically have any issues as far as I can tell, I just think the first is better due to head and lighting angle and background.

I'd be interested to hear anything about how you took these photos. They are great, thanks for posting.

[IzzieK]

Chuck...I cannot have a favourite because all of the expressions on the faces of these animals are just so cute...plus they have a smile on all of them. This is my favourite animal of all animals (well... except for doggies...) #3 pose is beautiful too.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[ST1]

Nicely done Chuck, the second gets my vote but....that's not to say there's anything wrong with the others in the set. Well done

[Teton Chuck]

Izzy, John, Peter and Nick, Thank you for the comments. Nick, I appreciate your thoughtful and through comments. I would group the photos in to two sets. Set A would consist of photos 1, 2 and 4. Set B, 3 and 5. When I was taking them I was aware of the fact that each set told a different story. I like the closeups, but I wanted some shots that showed the frost on the plants. I became aware of the fact that the frost showed up best where the sheep was in the background. I hoped that the viewer would use gestalt to complete the scene.

I agree that snow is great for photography, especially if you are photographing large dark animals and if it is cloudy. I added 3/4 of a stop of exposure to keep the snow form causing the animals to turn into shadows. None of the photos I took had areas that where blown out, but most of the were exposed to the far right on the histogram. (ETTR)

I have attached another photo taken in the snow that illustrates the advantages of photographing dark animals on a cloudy day. This was taken in Yellowstone National Park last January. On a bright sunny summer day it is extremely difficult to get a photograph of bison that show this kind of detail.

I hope this helps answer your question.

[Ziggy]

Very nice series, enjoyed viewing. Number 2 stands out to me.

[Brownbear]

All are absolutely exquisite! My favourites are 1, 3 and 6.

Thank you for sharing.

[Teton Chuck]

Thank you Jim and Christina.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Chuck!

[terrib]

Hi Chuck, I missed this post of yours when I posted yesterday. You got some really nice detail in those shots!