Thursday, September 11, 2008

Sky Watch Friday-More Yellowstone Shots

During our recent trip to Yellowstone Park, I truly found out what it meant to be a tourist as I find that many of my shots reflect the approach to shooting that a tourist is often forced to adapt.
As mentioned in an earlier post, The Madison River was an excellent spot to see wildlife. If one was to do it justice, they would need to spend most mornings and evenings there for at least a week. If one lived in the area, they could not spend too much time there. I am sure that over a period of time, one could obtain some stunning photographs and video in the area.

I left the 500mmF4 and the XL-H1 camcorder at home, as I did not want the hassle of transporting all of the equipment on the aircraft. As a result I was without my favorite long range tools.

I found that in many cases during this trip, one had to make do with less than ideal light or the right equipment for the job, but that is a necessary part of trying to cover a large amount of territory in a limited amount of time.

At any rate, we start today's photos with a sunset taken from along The Madison River toward West Yellowstone, and then proceed to an early morning encounter with a heron and a herd of elk in the same area.


Canon 40-D: 100-400mmL at 200mm 1/800 sec. f8 ISO 100


Heron along Madison River: Canon 40-D: 100-400mm at 400mm 1/100 sec. f5.6 ISO 800

The rut was just beginning and a lone 5x5 Bull was chasing cows about in the meadows along The Madison River. He was bugling occasionally. I would really have liked to have the Canon XL-H1 and a powerful telephoto for some of these encounters!

Canon 40-D: 300mmF4 1/250 F4 ISO 800

I am a firm believer in using a tripod if possible, but in this instance I fell into my usual trap. I had only one tripod. One can change the head to use with a still or video camera. Since it is almost impossible to handhold professional quality video, I had the video head mounted in many instances during the trip which meant I had to handhold the still cameras, which lead to me using a higher ISO than I would have liked in some cases so as to obtain sufficient shutter speeds to avoid unsharp photographs.

Visit Skywatch at its' new home for sky photos from around the world.

28 comments:

Louise said...

As imperfect as the situation was, you pulled out some beautiful photos. The sunset is incredible. It's like a glowing fire.

The Birdlady said...

Oh boy! That sky is amazing!

Brad Myers said...

I enjoyed your post as usual and a great sky watch photo. Just over a week and I will be out their shooting fot two weeks. I can't wait.

Looking forward to more posts from your trip.

Anonymous said...

Your photography is beautiful as usual. I really like that sunset.

My picture is on Canon Pixels blog

Tommy said...

Man your trip looks like it was a blast. I have been enjoying reading about it. The sunset is beautiful.

Pea in a Pod said...

the first shot is simply BREATHTAKING!~ I posted mine too, HERE! Happy SWF!~

kjpweb said...

Excellent despite the missing long lens! Just outstanding shots. And man, do I wish I could have joined you for the last one!
Cheers, Klaus

EG CameraGirl said...

Your photos are especially beautiful today, Willard! Really, really nice. ;-)

Leedra said...

The sunset is awesome!

Photo Cache said...

absolutely stunning sunset. love the wildlife capture too.

Carletta said...

I just kept scrolling when I saw the beautiful and stunning sunset so there's a comment on down that won't make sense where it is - wonderful post as always.

Woody said...

I love the first photo...Great SWF post..

Mary said...

Lovely sunset!

DeniseinVA said...

Wonderful photos. They bring back a lot of lovely memories as we were in Yellowstone a year this past August. It was one of the best trips we have ever had. Thank you for taking us back with these great, great photographs.

Arija said...

It's always worthwhile checking out your animals and skywatch. WishI could cart around pro gear. No hope carrying the stuff. Little old grandmas with faulty hearts have to content themselves with a 300mm so I commiserate with your dissatisfaction.

rhoen said...

Magical! awesome! I love warm orange and silhouttes :) Happy weekend!

SandyCarlson said...

This tourist thanks you for yet more of your outstanding work.

Tom said...

Hi Willard
I hope all the hard work on the video pays off my friend.

As for your posting this week... it is well up to your great standard of posting... ha! I don't mind saying here right now that yours and Salty's are two of my favourite blogs and that I was so pleased when you joined in with Sky Watch.... I might not be about as much as normal now during the week but I try and stop by here to see and read you work... I say work even though what you are doing is a labour of love, and it shows in both your writing and pictures.

All the very best my friend
Tom

Unknown said...

The colors of the sunset are stunning...

Gretchen said...

Just stunning! Love the sky shot the most.

Michele said...

Fantastic post.. as usual. To be able to spend a week with you on your excursions would be a dream! Outstanding!
~Michele J~
Mountain Retreat

Halcyon said...

What a stunning sky! I love the colors. The heron is very nice as well.

Great choice for skywatch!

http://magnoliadailyphoto.blogspot.com/

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: I do love your SWF sunset and that is a neat shot of the heron. The elk herd is really cool. I'm sure the DVD will do well.

Stacey Olson said...

Willard, wonderful photos, so glad you had such a memorable trip.. thanks for sharing

Misty DawnS said...

Absolutely gorgeous and amazing, as always!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Absolutely gorgeous.

Kerri Farley said...

Fabulous sunset! And I LOVE that Heron!!

Chad Oneil Myers said...

That's a beautiful "Sky Watch", Willard!