Photo of the Month – Bull Elk

Bull Elk - I like this photograph so much it might even make photo of the year (but that remains to be seen).  
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While leading a photography tour in Rocky Mountain National Park this week, I came across the ubiquitous herd of doe Elk on the side of the road. Just as we approached, a huge Bull Elk disappeared into the woods.  While everyone stood roadside watching the ladies, I entered the woods with camera in hand to go look for Papa Elk.  After about ten minutes I found him in the thick near a stream.  I carefully followed him for a ways.  He would run off, then I'd creep back close to him, get some shots and then he would move on.  I later grabbed my tour client.  We then went back into the woods circling behind where I figured he had gone.  We eventually found him again and were both able to capture some amazing photographs.

The "vignette" in this photo is all natural, caused from shooting through holes in the foliage in order to keep myself less visible.