Monthly Archives: October 2024

Yellowstone! Pilot and Index

While not quite in Yellowstone National Park, Pilot and Index peaks dominate the skyline near the Northeast Entrance and Silver Gate. I could not find any information on how they got their names, but they are obvious landmarks visible for miles, and I am sure were used as such by early settlers and explorers. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 75mm equivalent. Program mode. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! Momma Moose

Moose: Floating Island Lake, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Mom moose seemed to prefer the reeds under the water…perhaps because they were more tender. In this portrait the colors make or break it…the autumn tones of the reeds, the early morning sun, the reflections in the water. And it is, of course both head-and-shoulders and over-the-shoulder. 🙂 Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Maine! Copper and Crimson

Along the Bridle Path in Kennebunk, Maine. A found still-life with color contrast. The copper of the fallen oak leaf against the crimson background of forest brush. I reached out and grabbed it with the telephoto zoom. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my landscape and macro modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! Moose

Moose: Floating Island Lake, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Another morning, same moose. The bull, cow, and calf were at Floating Island Lake in Yellowstone when we returned the next morning. This time the bull was more cooperative, standing side on rather than butt towards us. We had to wait until the sun moved the shadow of a tall tree off him, but then he posed nicely for us. This is not a particularly large bull, which is why, perhaps, he was riding close attendance on this cow and calf, hoping to improve his chances when she is receptive. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm and 187mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! Cottonwoods in color

Cottonwoods along the Lamar River in Yellowstone National Park. Nothing so yellow. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at various focal lengths for framing. Program mode. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! The business end

American Bison: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — As I mentioned before, Bison are eating machines, head down and sucking up grass 90% (well at least 80%) of daylight hours. Catching one with its head up for a photo requires patience, and a while to spend with Bison. Eating is the business of bison, and this is the business end. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Maine! Red Carpet

Kennebunk, Maine, October 2024 — Fall has come to the floor of the Maine forest. Sony a5100 with Sony E 10-18 f4 wide angle zoom at 15mm equivalent. Superior Auto with Landscape Scene Selection. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! Not a zoo

American Bison: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — It is easy to come back from Yellowstone with way too many photos of bison. When we first got there we could not find Bison. We saw only one or two in 2 days in the Hayden Valley, where they are generally plentiful, and none in West Yellowstone on our one visit there. ?? We assumed they were all in the Lamar Valley, and, indeed we found them there, several large herds. By then, and by chance, chasing a rumor of Grizzly, we found that they were back in sight in Hayden. One theory is that, because of the unseasonably warm weather, they were staying in on the high plateau meadows and not coming down into the valleys. Hard to say. Not a zoo. Yellowstone is not a zoo. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Maine! Ruby Red

Nothing so ruby red
as the leaves of beach rose
in late October
in Southern Maine
along the Bridle Path
back half a mile
from the sea.
If you have seen them
you know I am right!

And now you have seen them. Sony a5100 with Sony E 10-18 f4 wide angle zoom at 15mm equivalent. Superior Auto with Scene Selection Landscape. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii telephoto zoom at 139 and 105mm equivalents. Program mode with my landscape and macro modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Yellowstone! Contentment

American Bison: Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — For the most part Bison project contentment. They are eating machines, head down in the grasses 80% of daylight hours…and with their size and weight it takes that to keep them happy…content. That general air of complacency makes their sudden violent outbursts all the more impressive…and makes them as dangerous as they undoubtedly are. I would much rather face a wolf at 20 paces than a bison…and I would never do either intentionally. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.