Patterns, textures, and color

Yellowstone National Park is rich in stunning landscapes, colorful wildlife, thunderous waterfalls, and boiling cauldrons. On average, I am shooting about 200 pictures a day. As I walk the boardwalks viewing the geysers, mud pots, and sulfur springs, I am especfially fascinated with the colors, textures, and patterns. My telephoto lens allows me to shoot some nice detail - but at a safe distance. I can't wait to print some of these when I get home.

Yesterday and today, Frank and I have been on a mission to see the buffalo. We drove up La Mar Valley today in hopes of getting some good pictures. We really lucked out as there was a group of buffalo fairly near the road. I got some great pictures! Buffalo seem to be particularly difficult to shoot - their heads are the darkest parts and it is a challenge to capture their faces in any amount of detail. Also, they tended to keep their heads down as they nibbled the grass - and their heads were often in the shade. They certainly are magnificent animals - I especially liked the shaggy look as they were in the processing of shedding their winter fur.

Two of the bulls actually came up onto the road and got into a brief altercation. I tried to shoot it, but unfortunately they had their backsides toward me. They created so much dust, I was unable to get a clear shot. But you get the idea - and boy can they move fast when they want to!