Wolf from the Grant Creek pack, Highway Pass, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f/4L IS, w/1.4x converter, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400, taken from a bean bag from the sun roof of my vehicle. Earlier in the day my 500mm image stabilization started vibrating in the dual mode setting so I had to switch it to the panning mode. Fortunately, it seemed to work well enough to get me through a few days of shooting. Canon quickly repaired it for $500. The lens is like my left hand when it comes to wildlife photography and has produced countless super sharp photographs--many were hand held.
The Grant Creek wolf pack in Denali National Park has maintained a high profile along the road corridor, giving many visitors and photographers an opportunity to watch and photograph the social dynamics of a wild wolf family. If you are new to this blog, you may want to check out a couple posts I made earlier in the year when this same wolf pack attacked a young moose calf. The attack. After the attack.
I followed this wolf for some time in the latter evening, but this was the only decent opportunity I had to make a photo. The wolf paused on the tundra in a colorful patch of wildflowers for this portrait
by Patrick Endres
11 comments
Ron Niebrugge - Hi Patrick – Didn’t know about the Ctrl – trick, I will try that.
Patrick - Ron,
Until you get one, just click Ctrl- (Win) to alter image size. I know the larger vertical photos will be over-sized on many monitors, but I’m still disposed to the larger images. There is so much more to appreciate in the image. Regarding the cool lynx photo you just posted on your blog, yes, I too would take whatever lighting I could get. I’ve got just a few lynx shots I took with Canon’s 1D (4mp) many moons ago. Waiting for my big chance later this year.
Yes Ron, you need a larger monitor
Ron Niebrugge - Hi Patrick,
Wonderful image! The Grant Creek Pack has sure been a wonderful photo opportunity.
I’m not as big of a fan of the larger photo as it doesn’t fit on my monitor – I need a bigger monitor I guess!
Ron
Patrick - DBL,
Thanks. You guys have a great spot back there in the park, I’m sure many photo opportunities await…
Patrick - Tim,
I’m glad to hear you appreciate the larger images. I do understand why some are hesitant to share their work in a larger format on the web, but I find it hard to present or enjoy an image, when shown so small. It seems counter effective. So, I opted for the larger ones. I’ll probably beef up the watermark soon, but will keep the images big and fat, and in my opinion, more enjoyable. Thanks for visiting.
Patrick - Troy,
You are correct on all accounts mentioned. I’ll be in the park later in the month and am hoping for a little more “seasonal” coats on the wolves as the temps start to drop.
Patrick - Jon,
Thanks. While the wolves in Denali can be called wild, they are certainly habituated to a degree that makes them appear semi-wild. In particular the ones inhabiting the road corridor. This is great for photography of course, but they are different from the wolves in the high arctic for sure. You should keep a keen eye on your next Denali trip, I can advise you on the latest info.
Denali Backcountry Lodge - Wow, that is an amazing shot. I wonder if I can take a shot like that with my Nikon D40, my camera seriously needs some repair!
Tim Newton - I really appreciate you presenting your photos in a larger format. I’m guessing many photographers fear their work will be misused if they present them freely on the web in higher resolution like this, and I’m sure you must have considered this yourself. Apparently, and to my and many other people’s delight, you’ve chosen to err on the side of generosity. My old eyes especially thank you for sharing your beautiful work so generously. I always look forward to your posts, and rush to log in when I see you’ve produced a new one.
Troy - Looks like he needs to start getting his winter coat. I would say you’re lucky, bit I know you work to get in this position; certain fortunate though.
Jon Cornforth - Incredibly beautiful image! I’ve seen wolves a few times while cruising Southeast Alaska, but of course they disappear back into the rainforest before I can ever get close enough to take a picture.