Early Morning Bugle

[LouisKeller]

This large bull elk was photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park during the rut. He was posed nicely on a ridge line with the early morning sun directly on him.

Canon MarkII with Canon 70 to 200mm f/2.8 lens and a 1.4 converter @ f/5, 1/800, ISO 200. Photo was taken from an automobile with camera resting on a beanbag on the car window. Some cropping with levels and sharpening in PS. Possibly could lighten BG, but I kind of like the contrast against the darker BG. Opinions welcome.

[Markus Jais]

Awesome shot. Fantastic light and great BG. The open mouth is a great bonus.
I might selectively sharpen the head a tiny bit more.

Markus

[DanWalters]

Beautful light and I really like the dark background.

[Callie de Wet]

A very nice, in the environment shot, doing what they do in the environment. No nits!

[Marc Mol]

Beautiful lighting Louis, with the contrast in BG & FG really making this fine image.
TFS

[Todd Frost]

Gorgeous light and pose, agree with a little sharpening on the face. Love the bg. Well done. TFS
Todd

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I like the overall habitat and pose. Background colours are nice. A sharper head would strengthen the image.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[D. Robert Franz]

Like the dark BG. Nice comp and lighting.

[Stu Bowie]

Louis, lovely light and colours, and the behaviour adds to the image.

[Jonathan Ashton]

It's a cracker! I like the pose and the contrast, I would try a little more sharpening on the head.

[peter delaney]

beautiful image, love the colours...