I really like #2. Well done.

Those are exactly the things I've thought were the keys, but I have yet to get one I'm truly pleased with. I thought I might be overlooking something in addition to those hints. I'll keep practicing!

How did you get the nice starburst? Every time I try, I always get one with tons of rays, rather than just the 8 like you have. I know it has to do with the number of leaves on the diaphragm, but I can't seem to get what you have achieved here.

I've been watching these threads for quite some time now, as I'm kind of in your boat with a 70-200mm lens and a desire to be able to better fill the frame without cropping so much. Though there are people who have made comments to the contrary, and though some of the pictures posted are quite nice, what I've consistently come away with from all the threads I've followed, is that teleconverters are a cheaper option, but you do pay a price in terms of IQ, you lose a couple of stops of light, and you often (depending on the lens and teleconverter) lose lens functionality.

All of these have led me to feel that if I am serious about accomplishing the goals I have and listed above, I'm probably going to have to pony up and get the longer lens rather than go the route of the teleconverter. I was disappointed to have come to that conclusion for myself, and it will be different for everyone depending on personal expectations and how critically you will judge your work. As a serious but amateur photographer, I decided to go with the longer lens. Though I haven't yet put my money where my mouth is just yet--still saving--so you'll have to take that with a grain of salt.

I think that something very important is being overlooked in all this. Sure, the politicians are fighting for or against Obamacare, and as much as it pains me to say this, I think the Republicans are convinced that Obama is unwilling to negotiate to improve the flawed legislation because it will tarnish what he perceives as his legacy. As flawed as it is, Obama won't back down because of his own pride and will sink the nations health care to preserve it. The point is, that Obama will not negotiate now--or ever. The government shut down is the only card that the Democrats have left the Republicans to play--and I wish they didn't have to play it, but I see why they are. And I feel bad for those suffering as a result.

The real issue is the fact that the spending of our government is out of control--why else would the government run out of money? If the government wasn't out of control with it's spending, there would be no shut down, and no way for the Republicans to be holding the government hostage. I don't pretend to understand all the implications of a shutdown or the looming default, but I can't help but wonder if it might be good for us to default so that borrowing would be more difficult. The government would then be forced to live within it's means and we would finally have to make the tough decisions that are being delayed with a bill that will have to be footed by future generations.

I'm with you there, but I like the way the photos can really be improved with a little work!

No problem! I'm all for learning all I can about this stuff. Here in Utah, they sure don't act timid. They walk around like they own the place. They seem to just go where they want. If you're in the way, they'll just wait until you move, and then go on their way. They do seem to be keeping close tabs on me when I'm taking my photos, though. They don't really seem to get spooked by much, though I've noticed that they tend to prefer getting away from a close crowd. Deer, on the other hand, are very flighty in comparison. You get close enough, or startle them, and they will be off like a rocket. A moose will just watch you, like it's trying to size you up. I've never seen one get aggressive, but they can be very dangerous. It is wise to keep a wide margin of safety. I also like to have a tree or something to keep between us if I ever felt threatened.

Thanks magicmark! The colors are what it's all about this time of year!!

Thanks for the kudos photogirl!

I appreciate the encouragement. Thanks everyone for looking!

Interesting! I never knew any of that about moose. That makes me wonder what the moose I got the close up on was thinking. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if it was a bull or not, but it appeared to have something left of it's antlers, so I was thinking bull. He was behind us with an even better view of the scene of the three moose above. I wonder if he (if it was a he) was also interested in the cow!

Thanks Sunnykaren, colo43, and Linda! It was interesting to watch the interplay between the three moose. There was definitely no threatening or defensive postures taken my the cow. In fact, they would snuggle up to one another every once in a while. The cow was almost always at the side of her calf, but the bull was just kind of standing guard, so to speak. It was quite the functional moose family. There were times when I could see the bull and cow actively seeking responses from one another as they monitored their calf. I only wished I could have been closer, but I don't think that would have been a very wise move!

Thanks Rebel Hiker, it took a number of attempts to get a few keepers. I had a thought to try and do some experimenting with a graduated ND filter on #2, but it was after the fact in post processing when that thought struck me. I guess I'll just have to remember that for next time.

Thanks RE. The first one stood at least 7 feet tall. Usually I'm only able to find one if I'm lucky. I can't believe this time around I saw five!!

These were taken this past weekend in Brighton, UT. Snow fell for the first time the day before I arrived (it would have been awesome to get pictures of the fall colors with a little more snow to spice things up, but I thought these turned out OK).

Feel free to offer advice on ways to improve these shots.

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