IN THE FIELD: Sometimes It Pays To Dilly-Dally
During our last visit to western Montana, we discovered this statue outside the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. It stands in front of the foundation’s museum, where visitors can learn about the elk and other wildlife of the region, plus what is being done to help preserve their habitats.
After touring the museum, we went outside to get a closer look at this larger-than-life statue. Impressive is a good way to describe it.
I had taken a couple of shots, but the statue was in deep shadow from the thick cloud cover. Disappointed, we started packing up the camera gear and decided to return the next day to try for some better photos. As we were finishing up, we looked back and saw the clouds had parted, allowing the sun to shine through and highlight the statue. So I quickly grabbed the camera and tripod. And I was able to compose a few shots before the light disappeared.
I sure am glad we were taking our time putting all the photo equipment away!
David Heilman 
It came out pretty decent considering the lighting problem.
Thanks Bob, the skies were threatening there for a bit!
I’m glad you took your time, too. Beautiful shot! Very impressive against that dark sky.
Thanks Lee, it pays to move in slow motion from time to time. We were lucky though, because the skies let loose shortly after we got the shots!
It is wonderful, you are always being a nice guide for me, I’ll remember this. You captured this amazing statue so beautifully, the sky gives a very nice contrast…I loved it dear David, Thank you, Happy New Year, with my love, nia
Thank you Nia! The statue sure is an impressive sight. Happy New Year to you too!
Impressive! The background plays significant role in this photo. And, of course the angle, Beautiful. The small amount of light falling on it, works well too. Loved this one! 🙂
Thanks Nandini! The statue is pretty amazing and the sky really adds to the drama!
the extra moment that DeWit talks about – great shot
Thanks Jane! Ahh, another Dewitt follower…I’ve been reading his columns in Outdoor Photographer since the mag first started.
Very dramatic – what a perfect background!
Thanks Jo, I guess we were at the right place at the right time! The skies really added to the drama for sure!
I like it! Yes, sometimes dragging your feet is a good thing!
It worked out pretty well that afternoon. We got the shots and shortly after we put everything away it started to pour! So we decided to go eat dinner while it was raining.
A nice strong silhouette.
Thanks Meanderer! It’s one of my favorite shots I’ve taken while visiting Montana!
It’s great you were able to get the shot you wanted. This is a nice silhouette against the dark clouds.
Thanks Fergie, I am glad we looked back…everything fell into place…for just a few moments!
Wow, gorgeous capture here, David! Just perfect! And Happy New Year!
Thank You Katie ! It’s one of my fav’s. Happy New Year Year to you too!!!
Hi David, love this shot! The lighting is just right.
Happy New Year – may you have many opportunities to dilly dally with your camera near to hand in 2012.
Thanks Ehpem! The great light lasted but a few minutes…and I have my camera with me at all times…even when I am dilly dallying!
Bad weather, cloudy dark sky can be uncomfortable but very useful for a good photo! Great result and a good lesson to learn: do not hurry too much! Have a good and exciting 2012 !
robert
You are correct…bad weather can be uncomfortable but sometimes it can really pay off. Usually you have the place to yourself and are rewarded with great photos!
Awesome lighting. Its been so overcast here that its hard to get excited about going out to get some shots. Have a blessed New Year. Looking forward to another year filled with photography lessons on your site. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind thoughts Jeanne, it has been pretty dreary lately here also, but I am trying to keep the spirits up and the creativity levels high! It’s going to be a great year!!!
nice shot! As always, love the perspective !
xandi
Thanks Xandi!!! This one worked out pretty well I’d say!
Oh this I love. Looks so moody and film like.
Thanks Mya, the photo certainly would have a different feel had it been a sunny day! I like the drama this has. Thanks for stopping by!!!
this is such a brilliant shot! Wow looks like it’s real! The cloud gives the picture magnificence!
Thanks Kristina, It’s one of my favorites, and yes the clouds really do add to the scene. We went by the next day and it was sunny but it didn’t have quite the impact. Got lucky I guess!
Perfect timing! You couldn’t ask for beter lighting on the subject. Great DRAMA! –John
Thanks John, this is one of my favorites!!! The light was falling on the statue for only a few moments…enough time for me to get a few shots…then the skies let loose!!!
Great backlighting – I really like how it highlights the shape of the statue, especially the head and horns.
Thanks MIke, the lighting gods were with me that afternoon. The sun only poked through the clouds for a few minutes, then it got dark and poured rain! Right time right place for sure!
definitely a great shot!
Thanks Fiona!
Beautiful. Strong and magnificent.
Thank you WFFME, it is quite a sculpture/statue…larger than life! Glad you visited and commented!