Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Many times, I come across a view that, while very pretty, does not have a focal point that would transform the scene into a landscape-worthy photo. I might see that same scene, frequently. When an interesting focal point appears, I'll notice it, right away. Hopefully, I have a camera with me.

Here are two such scenes. The first is a nice, flat, open field, with the foothills in the background. Behind those foothills is a snow covered mountain. It is a pretty, and peaceful view, but this particular section of foothills and mountain are somewhat plain, when compared to other, nearby views of the mountains. Ah, but put something in that field, and it's a different story. Yesterday, a herd of elk split itself into three mini-herds, with each occupying a connected, yet separate, area. One of these small groups planted itself nicely, with the foothills and snow covered mountain, as a background. I couldn't pass that up -- though I did have to keep my head on a swivel, to keep track of the second group, which was to my back. I like the end result, but I probably would not have taken the shot, were it not for the presence of the elk.

The second shot is a scene I see every day. It is the view from the front door, out onto a golf course (and a gathering spot for elk, in the winter). It is a very pretty view, but probably not special enough, on its own. Today, though, it became very special, at least temporarily. This morning, I woke to a frost covered wonderland. This is a pretty cool view, but it only becomes special if the sun cooperates. If the sun cooperates, one must be fast, lest the frost disappear. But, if the sun doesn't come out to play -- and it did not come out, for a while -- the view is gray, and not very appetizing. The sun did come out, eventually, and it was in exactly the right place to capture the frosty trees being lit. Patience was the watchword, today.

Elkscape.

(Download)

Frosty treescape.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The elk show up beautifully. Was that due to much editing or "just" the light and great gear?

The hoar frost (or rime; there's a difference, I just don't remember what it is) is gorgeous. For impact, I think a smaller/closer composition would benefit, but maybe already cropped more than just the aspect to pano?

kenievans Loc: Dallas

The photo gods do reward patience. Both are great images. Great job on those elk! I am in agreement with Linda on the second image. The sky doesn't offer much and a closer crop would help show off the beauty of the frost.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks!

Is the prominence of the elk due to editing, or just the light and great gear. This is low, hanging curve if I've ever seen one. It's all due to the guy mashing the button, of course! Seriously, it is a combination of all of the above. The light was sympathetic, and the elk happened to position themselves so that they stood out, against the background. When it came to the editing, I added three, small and subtle, spotlights on the elk -- left, center, and right. The spotlights highlight the elk just enough, without letting you know the spotlights are there. They really (Really, just spot brightening.)

As far as the crop of the second one goes, I wanted to get as many of those trees in, as I could. I thought the spruce trees, in front, provided a good foreground to the different -- and whiter -- trees in the background. In order to get that many trees in the frame, I had to include some of the street, and more of the sky, than I wanted. So, I just clipped the top and bottom. I did take one shot of a single tree, and it didn't have the impact. The snow white of the frost in the trees had to contrast with the sky. To get the sky in there, I had to get more trees in the frame.

If you look to the right, you can see the greens keeping crew working their magic. There are a lot of Elk Duds, on that course. (Okay, elk droppings look like Milk Duds. People call them Elk Duds.)

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

i really like 'em... for me, crop out truck and a little sky.... but that's just me.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks! Those trees are pretty far away, for the lens I was using (24-105mm on a full frame). A close in crop wouldn't yield as much detail as I'd like. Besides, the purpose of this, particular, shot was to capture my daily view, at a time when it had become, temporarily, quite special. Also, I did not want to walk out on the course, because I would have created footprints that just might have appeared in a subsequent shot.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks! Those maintenance guys, in the truck, waited for me to finish taking some shots, while I was standing on the cart path, at the tee box. I didn't even know they were there. They were such nice guys, I couldn't take them out of the shot. I couldn't bokeh them, either. (I am referring, of course, to that commercial about the new phone with depth control. "Did you bokeh my child?")

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I like them both, just the way they are.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks, all!

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

got it sir.... thanks

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

Where I hunted there were moose and white-tailed deer so we called them Milk Dud and M&M's!
LOL

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

A friend, who is a chocolate addict, says I’ve ruined Milk Duds for him. I told him he just has to remember that, if he drops one, leave it alone.

RCJets Loc: Virginia

I can't believe no one mentioned the Canada Geese in the second photo!

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

Oops, never noticed them. So intent on the frosty trees.
Bud