Unlikely Models | Wildlife Photography | Travel Photography

On a recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, my family and I encountered some amazing wildlife in and around the park. Some were in our rented cabin backyard, some on the road (literally) while others kept us company as we hiked the almost abandoned trails in the park. These animals and birds largely “posed” for me as I fidgeted around my winter clothing (I really need to invest in fingerless gloves!) and tried to get the setting just right in my camera :). As photographers, we always want to get the perfect shot SOOC (Straight out of camera). This makes for a technically sound image and saves us time during post processing. But we don’t always have that luxury – think quick moving toddlers/kids, hectic and crazy wedding day, beautiful scenery seen from the window of a moving car!!

However, I was quite thrilled that my models largely stayed put. They were almost curious as to who I was and what on earth was I trying to do. Hence the title “unlikely” models…LOL. I also went back a couple of years and looked at images from an previous trip to Colorado. Perhaps it’s something to do with Colorado but even back then, I had the most amazing luck taking pictures of wildlife (Yes, I know horses and cows are technically not wildlife but in my mind these were so just work with me 😉 ).

I like to think of myself as a travel photographer with a dash of wildlife photography build into the mix!!!! Maybe I am really ready for that Serengeti Safari trip that I have been planning for years and years and that no amount of money saved up seems enough 🙂

These guys were enjoying the salty minerals from the road and seemed almost mad that the cars were passing by!

I am so glad I decided to stay in the car while this guy crossed the road. We were a good distance away from this bull but his stare down was quite scary!!!!

These cuties made my day. They crossed the street and hung out in our yard for a good 20 minutes while I clicked away. They were curious and inquisitive and utterly adorable.

The Spring birds have not yet arrived in the Rockies yet so this Stellar’s Jay and Gray Jay were a treat on the trails.

These bighorn sheep were a real treat as we were leaving the park!

The following images are from an earlier trip to Southern Colorado documented here