Familiarity definitely breeds contempt.
When I first see a new animal, everything it does is exciting and I’m quickly taking photos. I had the opposite experience in Yellowstone where I found bison hanging around everywhere.
I quickly realized I was going to see more bison than I had laid eyes on in my entire life. They weren’t going to suddenly migrate. Since I knew there was always tomorrow, they would easily get trumped by other wildlife. I actually had to force myself to keep looking for special moments. How quickly excitement fades – it’s actually sad.
I also realized that I would not be happy with just another regular composition. I gave myself the challenge of finding a bison on a ridge to show some of the Yellowstone landscape. Off I went to find my bison icon.
The challenge was to find a bison that wasn’t eating or lying down (eliminating 95% of activity), find an especially good-looking specimen (eliminating 90% of the animals), find some good light (eliminating 85% of daylight hours), find the right settings for a dark animal and hopefully find this all on a ridge (eliminating 98% of the terrain). That definitely got me looking again.
Thankfully there were a lot to of bison to practice my technique and it needed some work. I was not quite satisfied with the results at the beginning. Quite a few days past and I realized this was getting harder than I anticipated.
Towards the end of our stay I found a bull standing on the top of a ridge just before sunset – eating of course. I impatiently waited for him to look up and it finally happened just before he left the ridge. Eureka!
I was pleased with the result. It is one of the few times I was able to visualize a wildlife scene and capture it. Only the abundance of potential targets made it possible and getting over my sense of familiarity.
Oh, it’s YOU again!
Krahnpix 
I found the same to be true at Wind Cave, there were so many but very few that made for exceptional shots. That last one is truly special
LikeLike
I was beginning to wonder if it was just my inability to see the right opportunities with so many around. It’s interesting that you found the same thing. Glad you liked the big old bison.
LikeLike
Great picture.
You must be a great photogra…..wait ohh its you again 😛
LikeLike
That’s funny. Thanks for the comments.
LikeLike
Tremendous images of the big guy in a fantastic setting.
LikeLike
Thanks. I know you are predisposed to photos of the big guys.
LikeLike
Both fabulous shots, patience and creativity were in your favor this day. Love the last shot ~
LikeLike
Thanks so much. It’s amazing how many opportunities I had to practice – that definitely helps.
LikeLike
I love it when a plan actually works (which in my experience of taking photos is rarely the case). I love the second shot. There is something really special when you can capture a shot of an animal (or bird) looking in your direction–it makes the interaction more personal.
LikeLike
It doesn’t happen to me that often which is why it ended up being noteworthy. I like the interaction look and it usually makes the creature look better. Over time I have also come to have added appreciation of wildlife looking elsewhere since it makes the photograph seem more natural and undisturbed.
LikeLike
Doesn’t look nice 🙂 Great shots, Thank you, love, nia
LikeLike
No question they are an unusual looking creature! I suppose that is why I like them.
LikeLike
I actually like the first shot better. I think it is more representative of the bison and really shows off the profile that you will usually see. However, the second shot is still fabulous and is what you were trying to get.
So now, what shot of a bison would I try to catch? I would try to catch one similar to the first shot, but with the head raised just a little bit. Just like it is on the Indian Head Nickel. 🙂
LikeLike
I do like the first one as well (since it made it here) and it is certainly more representative of how they spend their time, so that makes sense. It’s interesting to hear what you would want to capture. I’ll have to watch for that one:)
LikeLike
He looks completely unimpressed. What a magnificent beast!
LikeLike
You’re right, their natural disposition seems to be a dour look and the guttural sounds are a bit disarming. However, there is still a magnificent attraction.
LikeLike
Inspiring! And congrats on realizing your vision. Those are truly cool moments in photography.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. It doesn’t happen that happen that often so I’m happy when it does.
LikeLike
Bison are tough to shoot. You did a good job. Their hide soaks up light so much their mane turns in to just a black blur. Good detail.
LikeLike
Thanks. Yes those bison can be tricky and I spent the first few days trying to get the detail right. During the day there was so much light that everything other than the bison would be seriously blown out. As usual, closer to sunset made everything better.
LikeLike
The look in the second shot is in search of a caption… best attempt for me is: “Oh, it’s YOU again!”
LikeLike
Thanks – I just added it.
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
I’d say you absolutely gave us your best shot! Love the photo. Pretty much perfect!! (I like the first shot, though, too, because the fact that the bison is ignoring his photo opportunity draws my eyes to the background of the photo which is quite enticing.)
LikeLike
Thanks. They both have their advantages which you described well. I like the background in the first one better but he kept eating and moving without looking up so I take what’s there. The rolling hills terrain is really quite nice.
LikeLike
The difference in backgrounds between the two photos evidences your patience in waiting for him to look your way!
LikeLike
I appreciate the sentiment, but you give me too much credit in this case. It wasn’t that many minutes.
LikeLike
They are big beauties ! , wish we have them in the upper part of Sweden too …// Maria 🙂
LikeLike
They certainly are big. It’s hard to believe they once roamed freely in huge numbers over the area where I live. Yellowstone is now a glimpse of the past.
LikeLike
Bravo! Your patience to get the best shot is appreciated! Your bison is beautiful!!!!! Really, how many shots did you need to take to get this??? It’s spectacular!
LikeLike
Thanks so much. They have a unique look which I think adds to their attraction. How many shots depends on where I start counting. Once I found this bison, in this location and in this light, it was only a few shots. But there many shots getting to that spot. Glad you like it.
LikeLike
Well worth your efforts, for sure!!!
LikeLike
So true! It’s always so exciting to see that first bison, then the first herd of bison, then . . . oh, it’s just another stinkin’ bison, and they’re usually blocking the road!
LikeLike
They do seem to spend a lot of time crossing roads and are definitely not shy about it!
LikeLike