This good boy took a few minutes to recalibrate after many failed attempts to catch a field vole for dinner. He would run around the meadow for a while, then ju...
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This good boy took a few minutes to recalibrate after many failed attempts to catch a field vole for dinner. He would run around the meadow for a while, then jump back on the log and rest. This routine took place about four times, until he finally curled up and went to sleep on top of the log. I thought this was a little out of character because from what I’ve seen in the past, coyotes don’t like to be fully exposed in a spot where anyone, or any animal, could come disturb them. Regardless, their uniqueness is the reason I love photographing these Yosemite locals so much.
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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Wanderlust Photo Contest
Animals Winner Awards 2022
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Runner Up in Monthly Pro Photo Contest Volume37
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 82
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo when I lived in California at my previous "home park" in Yosemite National Park. I have since moved to Bozeman, MT, so these days, Yellowstone NP is the source of my current adventures.Time
I was lucky enough to come across this beautiful 'yote just before my favorite time of day... golden hour! Because I knew the diffused golden haze would begin flooding the valley in less than an hour, I knew I had to wait and remain out of sight in order to get the most impactful image.Lighting
When it comes to wildlife photography (iust like any genre in this industry), light can be your biggest asset as well as your biggest obstacle. In nature, we are at the mercy of the sun, so it's important to use it to your advantage. This means shooting in the hours surrounding sunrise and sunset as well as being able to pivot with the changing light during midday shoots.Equipment
This was shot handheld with the Sony a7R III + Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6.Inspiration
While I love taking photos of a variety of different species, I have always been particularly inspired to capture dramatic images of animals that are often seen as insignificant and create something unexpectedly impactful to the viewer. The majority of people can look at an image of a grizzly and have some sort of charged response. However, having grown up in a place where coyotes are shot on site, I go into photographing similarly-viewed animals with a goal of changing someone's outlook by creating an emotional connection between the viewer and the subject.Editing
I processed this photo in Adobe Lightroom. I will never take in or put out something that wasn't in the original image, but I will often exaggerate the components of the composition that make it unique. I find that most images straight from the camera lack the emotion that I felt in the moment. So, I photograph wildlife with the idea that the image itself captures the moment, while the processing has the opportunity to capture the feeling.In my camera bag
Nowadays, my primary set up is the Sony a1 + Sony 400mm f/2.8. My secondary kit is the Sony a7R IV + Sigma Art 135mm f/1.8. I also carry the Sony 16-35mm f2.8, Sony 24-70mm f.2.8, Sony 85mm f1.8, Sony 100-400mm f4.5-5.6, and the Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 I also carry with me two 35mm film cameras, one of which loaded with Kodak 400 ISO B&W and the other with Portra 800 ISO Color film. If I'm not on assignment, I usually go into the field with a full bag of gear, then will choose what I want to shoot with based on the conditions as well as what I am inspired by that day.Feedback
Be patient for good light, don't cut corners, and most importantly, create images that inspire you rather than what you think other people want. You will quickly lose your love for photography if you are creating for anyone but yourself.