Yellowstone NP WY
It was late September, and bull elks were in rut season. I had just watched two bulls– one older and experienced, one younger and full of himself, thinking he was ready to challenge — in the heavyweight battle of passing on their genes. Horns never locked because the gestures of the more formidable bull in his prime were all required.
Having just watched this rite of fall, the bull stopped and looked at me. I was nervous because I thought he might charge me (I was about 40/50 feet away), but I was also very excited (and close to my motorhome for safety).
I realized that all the elements were in place for my photograph. A magnificent creature stood among the pallet of fall colors and multiple geysers behind him. Everything was perfect. And he held there for only a moment while I captured a living trophy.
Timothy, WOW very majestic friends and I during same time of year use to park my van at Mammoth, sit on top and watch the elk antics. Never saw any horns lock. Mostly the harem bull just chasing the young bucks and retrieving wandering cow lead a stray.
Your focus is right on even with such shallow depth of field. One moment it look real with an interesting 3-D effect and then it appears as if it’s either a museum diorama or a taxidermic specimen on display at the Museum of Natural History in NY or Chicago.
Nice job and good story.