# Tule Elk

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/tule-elk/49157>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** editors-pick, wildlife\
**Created:** [December 23, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/tule-elk/49157 "2025-12-23T19:40:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dave\_Douglass](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dave_douglass/32/5332_2.png) [@Dave\_Douglass](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dave_Douglass)\
**Post date:** [December 23, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/tule-elk/49157/1 "2025-12-23T19:40:27Z")

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![ELKPAIR.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/5/c/5c549e5927a2b827b70709c60341bb7b0e134c07.jpeg)

> **Critique Style Requested:** _Standard_
> 
> The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

### Description

I saw these guys way out in their paddock at the San Lois National Wildlife Refuge recently. They were too far off to get a great shot but I was happy to get this one. Trophies!

### Specific Feedback

Anything.

### Technical Details

Z9, 180-600 lens, Nikon 1.4 TC, hand held, 1/640th, 1260mm, ISO 2000, cropped to 3427 x 2598.

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### Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

Vision and Purpose:  
Conceptual:  
Emotional Impact and Mood:  
Composition:  
Balance and Visual Weight:  
Depth and Dimension:  
Color:  
Lighting:  
Processing:  
Technical:

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**Author:** ![Bill\_Fach](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bill_fach/32/78290_2.png) [@Bill\_Fach](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bill_Fach)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2025, 3:30am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/tule-elk/49157/2 "2025-12-24T03:30:46Z")

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Dave: Magnificent critters. Looks like there may be a rut battle scar or two showing up. My \<1 cent nit is the grass partially obscuring the face of the grazing bull. A tiny bit of AI magic makes it go away. I also note a touch of softness overall almost like an Orton effect which actually makes this more painterly and appealing. Great capture of a magical encounter. \>=))\>