Misty Morning

Photographing elk during the rut is always an exhilarating experience for a wildlife photographer. The energy, the behavior, and the sheer presence of majestic animals make every moment exciting. But on this morning, a rare fog settled into the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, adding a moody, ethereal atmosphere to the setting. As one of the largest bulls in the area emerged through the mist, walking steadily toward me, it felt like time slowed down. The combination of light, weather, and wildlife aligned perfectly, resulting in one of my favorite elk images—and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had as a wildlife photographer.