Bull Caribou, Denali National Park, Alaska #3036

Two summers ago I was the lucky guy who got to spend a week in Denali National Park. First out of my camera was this image of a bull caribou standing in the shadow of Denali. In photography we talk about a concept called pre-visualization. This image is a perfect example of visualizing a shot and knowing where you want to use it, in this case as a calendar cover. I followed this caribou for over two hours. The mountain had to remain large in the image, so I had to use a long lens. I waited for the right moment for the immediate background to drop away so the caribou would pop in front of the mountain. It is so rare that all elements of a preconceived image come together, and it worked in this image. Each time I look at this image I am thankful for such beauty in this world we live in. This image is the cover of the Alaska 2018 calendar and is also available as a note card. Right after Thanksgiving I will be at the Juneau Public Market from November 23-25 to sign and personalize your Mark Kelley calendars. Please come by and say hello. Thank you for visiting. Camera: Nikon D800, Lens: Nikkor 80-400mm F/4, ISO 800, digital capture – ©Mark Kelley