Bighorn Challenge

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
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Bighorn Challenge.jpg
Bighorn Challenge.jpg2000×1333 833 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

There are several areas along the Northern edge of Yellowstone where the Bighorns appear in the fall after heavy snows at higher elevations. On a couple of occasions I have had the opportunity to watch (and photograph) the males butting heads. This is one of those (fall 2021). If you look carefully, you’ll see that neither of these two is quite a “full curl”, which means that neither is likely to mate this fall, yet they still battled for position in the male dominance heirarchy.

Specific Feedback

I also got them in contact as part of this series, but prefer being able to see the open eyes in both males, since they close their eye at contact.

Technical Details

7D2, 100-400 @ 400, 1/1000 s, f/13, iso 400, tripod. 62% of full frame.

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1 Like
2

Wonderful action photo here, Mark. The arch in their motions provides an immediate understanding of the battle taking place in this scene… :sunglasses:
Although I’ve not seen action like this I have heard the echoing crack from the horns on impact from two males fighting in a canyon years ago… :cowboy_hat_face:

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This is a great action shot Mark. You did a nice job getting great detail and full DOF for both of these rams in this image. I like that they are out in the open and this is such a clean, clear shot. I’ve seen, and heard that crack when they go off on each other in Zion. I find their stiff front legs to be really interesting. Is this before or after they’ve had a go at each other?

4

Mark: Gives me a headache just looking at this pair! Beautiful capture of the moment and while the rams are young they both look to be in their prime. Well done. >=))>

5

@Ed_Williams, the rearing up with stiff front legs are the beginning of the crash ritual. They then dive forward with planted legs and crash heads.