Afternoon Nap

Critique Style Requested: Initial Reaction

Please share your immediate response to the image before reading the photographer’s intent (obscured text below) or other comments. The photographer seeks a genuinely unbiased first impression.

Questions to guide your feedback

Surprised with antler size?

Other Information

Please leave your feedback before viewing the blurred information below, once you have replied, click to reveal the text and see if your assessment aligns with the photographer. Remember, this if for their benefit to learn what your unbiased reaction is.

Image Description

Male caribou (Rangifer tarandus) dozes in late afternoon Alaskan sun. Caribou have the second largest antlers among the deer family (Cervidae). Moose (Alces alces) have the largest antlers. Caribou are unique in that females may have antlers, although the prevalence and size of antlered females varies by species. Antler architecture varies by species and, together with pelage differences, can often be used to distinguish subspecies.

Technical Details

Canon EOS 5D II; Canon EF 200-400mm @ 343 mm; f/13 @ 1/125 sec, ISO 100; Gitzo tripod, RRS BH 55, remote trigger

Specific Feedback

Whatever you wish, positive or otherwise.

Immediate response: Is that an elk? After closer look, it isn’t, but was not sure what until read the notes. Very nice shot and great question.

Thank you @Jim_Gavin for your comments. The various sub-species have variable antler size, but all are extensive. This was captured on the Kenai peninsula where there are two large herds but the wildlife management folks try to only have two males per herd. Those boys are going to be busy and tired by the end of the rut.

He was certainly sound asleep! His lack of paddles fooled me for a bit. Love where you placed him in the frame and the warmth of the sunlight. Great job.

Thank you @Denise_Dethlefsen for your kind comments.