Hunting - sometimes, it's not about the game

[BrianA61]

This is my favorite time of year. When the smells in the air change, the leaves start to get that familiar color change and the hunting seasons come. This is what grounds me. Today, I was out hunting pheasants. That was my primary mission, however, not my only mission. As always with me, just being in the crisp morning air and listening to the sounds and watching the sights as the day comes alive was just as rewarding. As I was walking around, I would occasionally stop and just look at my surroundings and enjoy the moment. I was walking down a gravel road, looked up and saw this scene. I didn't even have to think and my hand automatically went to my vest pocket to grab my camera. I did not find any pheasants, but, this sight alone was worth getting up for.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[DickyOZ]

Beautiful sunrise.

[Wavelength]

WOW; molten gold, all over; really great

[madcrow]

Brian, great image and colour. My problem cannot get up in the morning. After looking at this shot I must make an effort.

[LePetomane]

Fishing is no different. We're in Montana now on the last leg of our trip. Today we are going to Paradise valley and will drive by 4-5 blue ribbon historic trout streams and I will probably leave my fly rod in the car as I am fishing the Yellowstone River later this afternoon. Sometimes just being there is enough.

[Manfred M]

I think you have a nice image here, Brian.

What I don't love is the dark area in the bottom third. While you have not lost a lot of shadow detail, a bit of dodging to lift the detail a bit more would likely improve the shot even more.

[bnnrcn]

Beautiful image Brian ! I would crop 1/3 (or may be 1/2) of the FG for a better composition. Lovely light and colors

[BrianA61]

Fishing is no different. We're in Montana now on the last leg of our trip. Today we are going to Paradise valley and will drive by 4-5 blue ribbon historic trout streams and I will probably leave my fly rod in the car as I am fishing the Yellowstone River later this afternoon. Sometimes just being there is enough.

Completely agree, Paul. I have the same feeling being out on the river or lake as well as hunting ducks, pheasants or big game. Outside in nature, however brief, is what keeps me sane.

[BrianA61]

I think you have a nice image here, Brian.

What I don't love is the dark area in the bottom third. While you have not lost a lot of shadow detail, a bit of dodging to lift the detail a bit more would likely improve the shot even more.

Thanks Manfred. I tried bringing up more detail in the foreground but thought it was a bit distracting. I will go back and work on it some more to see if I can get the right balance.

Thanks for all the feedback every body. I have another wider angle of this that I took a little further back on the road. I will post it later. The more I look at that one, the better I like it. Even more so than this one.

[Dave A]

An image that makes me wish I was there. I think you captured the feel of that morning.

Dave

[LePetomane]

Completely agree, Paul. I have the same feeling being out on the river or lake as well as hunting ducks, pheasants or big game. Outside in nature, however brief, is what keeps me sane.

My wife and daughter went bird hunting last week. They covered 8 miles (per GPS on the dog) in some rugged terrain north of Bozeman and didn't get a single bird. They referred to it as an "armed hike."

[rpcrowe]

I always did a lot more walking than shooting in my hunting days. However, I enjoyed that facet of the sport more than the killing...

[BrianA61]

I worked a little more and brought up the shadows somewhat. I think I like this better than the original post.



Here is another angle and a wider POV. I think I like this one better.

[bje07]

Very nice atmosphere, my preferred # 1 for its warm ambiance.

[NorthernFocus]

Looks like you had a beautiful morning, Brian. I like the wider shot.

[BrianA61]

Looks like you had a beautiful morning, Brian. I like the wider shot.

Yes I did, Dan. And, I didn't even fire a shot, but, it didn't matter. Well, from my gun anyways. Still can't decide which one I like better. They both have their own character.